Spanish superstar Jon Rahm’s controversial switch from the PGA Tour to LIV Golf earned him a historic payday – but the ramifications of the move appear to be hitting home for the golfer
LIV Golf rebel Jon Rahm has admitted he is hoping that the PGA Tour offers him a route back to playing in events on the American circuit as he reflected on what he has left behind following his blockbuster switch.
The world of golf was shocked when the Spanish superstar decided to join the Saudi Arabian tour, having been offered a contract worth £450 million ($566.4 million). Spread over five years, this incredible contract places him in the same league as LeBron James, Lionel Messi, and Cristiano Ronaldo as the highest paid athletes in sports.
Getting the services of the current Masters champion was perhaps the greatest coup in LIV history, especially considering the World No. 3’s stellar year. But it seems like Rahm is starting to realize the consequences of his choice to leave for LIV after winning PGA Tour events in 2023.
The 29-year-old has now openly stated that he has no regrets about the transfer, even though he acknowledges that it will be tough to miss out on future opportunities to play at some of his favorite tournaments. He discussed the matter prior to a LIV Golf event at the Las Vegas Country Club, in the midst of his ban from PGA Tour competitions.
He said, “I’m hoping that in the near future I can be back playing some of those events,” as he got ready for his first Live in America event. “I really would like to return and play a few of them,” he said, urging the offering of reconciliation.
“I will accept an invitation if there is ever a chance to return and play together. It was much harder to be at home not competing and know that those events were going on, he admitted. “There are certain events that are special to me that I would still love to support,” he went on.
The two-time major winner then noted a few occasions where he has missed playing, notably Torrey and Palm Springs. Regarding the latter, he has a particular place in his heart for that course because it was the location of his US Open victory in 2021.
“The weeks in Palm Springs and Torrey were difficult. He acknowledged, “I’ve explained so many times how important Torrey is to me,” before expressing regret for skipping the WM Phoenix Open. It’s definitely emotional knowing that I wasn’t going to play in Phoenix and having to drive by there frequently. That is among the things I will miss.
Nevertheless, after making his debut on the Saudi Arabian tour, it seems that Rahm is sticking to the decision to abandon his PGA Tour seat in favor of a transfer to the LIV Golf circuit. He made an appearance at Mayakoba in Playa del Carmen, Mexico, and under his coaching, his Legion XIII team won its first championship.
Rahm went on, maintaining his unwavering focus on the future: “I’m not the kind of person who usually regrets decisions that they make. With the full support of those around me, I made the most informed decision I could, and [I’m] sure it was the right one for me. I won’t regret it, therefore.”
Regarding the LIV Golf Tour, Rahm acknowledged that it is “definitely different.” “The music and atmosphere are different for those watching, but I find it to be very entertaining. It generates a level of audience participation that surprised me. It was a lot of fun to play golf in front of an audience that was clearly enjoying the music and the game.”
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