Recent buzz in the golf world suggests that Jon Rahm, the Masters champion, is contemplating a sensational shift to LIV Golf. The speculation gained traction when Flushing It posted on X, claiming that Rahm is in "late-stage talks" with the Saudi-funded series.
Reports indicate that negotiations are reaching a critical phase, but Rahm reportedly desires modifications to the league's format. This comes on the heels of Rahm's withdrawal from TGL Golf earlier this month, citing a commitment level that he couldn't sustain.
Rahm had initially been one of the first players to sign up for Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy's new initiative, which boasts several of the PGA Tour's prominent stars. Phil Mickelson and Bubba Watson had previously expressed interest in joining LIV Golf, emphasizing a growing trend among players.
Rahm's recent performance at the DP World Tour Championship in Dubai, where he finished tied for fifth, adds an intriguing element to the ongoing speculation. When approached for comments, LIV Golf's acting chief operating officer, Gary Davidson, stated that there was "nothing to add." Similarly, Rahm's management has remained tight-lipped about the swirling rumours.
In the midst of this uncertainty, Rory McIlroy, Rahm's TGL Golf teammate, remains confident that Rahm will stay with the PGA Tour. McIlroy expressed this sentiment during a press conference, stating, "I spoke to Jon a couple of days ago, and I would be very, very surprised if that were to happen. I'm pretty confident Jon is a PGA Tour player."
While Rahm had dismissed rumours of leaving the PGA Tour in September 2022, stating his allegiance to the tour at the US Open, his recent actions have left room for speculation. Notably, Rahm expressed disappointment about Sergio Garcia's resignation from the European Ryder Cup team and publicly acknowledged Pat Perez's move to LIV Golf last year.
Rahm's stance on the professional golf divide differs from McIlroy's, evident in his recent decision to decline a leadership role on the PGA Tour policy board following McIlroy's resignation. As the golf world awaits clarity on Rahm's future, the dynamics of player movements between leagues continue to add intrigue to the evolving landscape of professional golf.
