Scottie Scheffler has openly expressed his sentiment of missing the competition with Jon Rahm following Rahm's transition to LIV Golf, describing the current atmosphere in professional golf as "unusual."
Scheffler and Rahm have frequently vied for the top position in the global rankings, engaging in a spirited rivalry since Scheffler ascended to the world No 1 spot in February, replacing Rory McIlroy. Their rivalry saw several lead changes, especially when Rahm captured a third PGA Tour victory in a short span, and again when Scheffler clinched The Players Championship, a victory he is set to defend soon.
However, with Rahm's switch to the LIV Golf League post-season, their direct competitions have been confined to major tournaments. "Jon [Rahm] was always a formidable opponent," Scheffler shared during an exclusive interview on the Sky Sports Golf podcast. "His departure for LIV Golf, along with several other friends like Brooks [Koepka] and DJ [Dustin Johnson], has created a noticeable void. Their absence feels peculiar, as they were integral to my experiences on the tour."
As the golfing world navigates through these transitional times, Scheffler reflects on the early movers to LIV Golf, acknowledging their career phases and decisions without judgment. The prospect of LIV Golf participants returning to PGA Tour play hangs in the balance, particularly with the unresolved Framework Agreement between the PGA Tour, DP World Tour, and PIF.
Scheffler remains cautious about the reintroduction of LIV Golf players to the PGA Tour, suggesting that their return without acknowledging the departure might be awkward. "The idea of players returning as if nothing has changed might not sit well with the PGA Tour membership," Scheffler remarked, alluding to initial talks of lifetime bans for defectors.
As the sport continues to evolve, Scheffler maintains a focus on his own game and tournament participation, amidst the uncertainties of golf's global landscape. "The future of golf seems to be in a constant state of flux. My goal is to stay focused on my path and continue playing in tournaments, navigating through these unusual times in the sport," he concluded.
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