With less than two weeks to go until the first LIV Golf event of 2024, latest marque signing Jon Rahm is yet to announce his team name and teammates for the opener at Mayakoba.
Rahm wrote himself into the history books last month, after becoming the Saudi-backed league’s biggest signing yet. The Masters champion signed a deal worth a reported £450 million, in what proved to be a huge loss for their PGA Tour rivals.
But with time ticking towards the beginning of LIV’s second full campaign, golf fans are none the wiser as to who the Spaniard will be joined by for his maiden year with Greg Norman and co.
According to a number of reports, the Spaniard’s LIV franchise will be called Legion XIII, and Kieran Vincent, who was recently promoted, is allegedly joining him. Although Rahm’s departure was predicted to reverse the trend and usher in a new generation of PGA Tour players, no one has yet to follow in his footsteps.
Despite numerous high-profile approaches to switch to Saudi Arabia for 2024, no one has yet to follow in the footsteps of the two-time major champion. Here’s a look at some of Rahm’s Ryder Cup teammates and other PGA Tour veterans who declined astronomically high salary offers for the 2024 season.
Tommy Fleetwood
Tommy Fleetwood, another European, is one man who will not be partnering with Rahm this year. Fleetwood was the most recent to be contacted by the breakaway league, but they chose to decline the offer, according to a report published in the Telegraph on Friday.
The Englishman won the Dubai Invitational last week, one shot better than Rory McIlroy, to begin his DP World Tour career. After Fleetwood declined, the league supported by Saudi Arabia is said to have looked to his compatriot and Rahm’s former Ryder Cup partner, Tyrrell Hatton.
Nicolai Hojgaard
The report also claimed that another Ryder Cup teammate in Nicolai Hojgaard was also offered the chance to team up with Rahm, but like Fleetwood opted to turn it down. Hojgaard has announced himself as one of golf’s hottest prospects alongside twin brother Rasmus, with three DP World Tour wins and a Ryder Cup victory on his CV at the age of 22.
Ludvig Aberg
Ludvig Aberg, another wonder kid, rounds out the Team Europe wish list. The Swede, like Hojgaard, has emerged from the shadows, having only become a professional last June. Aberg, however, has already achieved victories on the PGA and DP World Tours in that time, in addition to contributing to the Ryder Cup victory in Rome last October.
The young player, who has emerged as one of golf’s top prospects, was contacted twice by the LIV setup in 2023 but declined the offers both times. “There were a lot of red flags, which is not good,” he said to Eurosport.
We came to the realization that I might blow a lot of bridges, and I had no interest in doing that. Looking back, I am quite happy with my choice. I compete; I never will be a money chaser. I made the proper decision.
Tony Finau
Tony Finau, a prominent player on the PGA Tour, appeared to be destined to be paired with Rahm and LIV in the weeks following the Spaniard’s switch. Despite the rumors, Finau, who competed at the Grant Thornton Invitational last month, wouldn’t rule out switching to Saudi Arabia.
Days later, though, he made his decision official and swore allegiance to the PGA Tour. “I’m eager to play on the PGA Tour for the tenth time in 2024 and am filled with excitement! And thrilled to be protecting in Houston as well as Mexico,” he posted on Instagram on December 11.
“I appreciate my partners’ unwavering support. We appreciate the love and support from the fans for our entire Finau family. I’ll see you all in Maui! #ImNotGoing.” Since then, Finau has warmed up at this week’s American Express as well as the Tour’s season opener at The Sentry.
Jason Day
Finau was apparently the next player on the league’s hit list to join Rahm and his soon-to-be-launched squad, followed by former world No. 1 Jason Day. Day is a clear target because the LIV setup, with Norman’s assistance, has strengthened its Australian contingency on the roster.
However, the rumors quickly subsided, and the Queensland native, 36, has since confirmed that he will play on the PGA Tour for a record 15 years running. The former PGA Champion entered this week’s American Express in California after starting 2024 with a top-10 finish at The Sentry.
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