Jon Rahm Says Decision to Join LIV Golf Was Not a Shot at the PGA Tour
Jon Rahm’s decision to leave the PGA Tour for the LIV Golf League was made over the past couple of weeks with a tight circle of people knowing the details and very few of his closest friends and family being let in on the deal.
Rahm, 29, spoke to reporters late Thursday afternoon after LIV Golf disclosed what has been rumored for some time, that the two-time major winner would be joining the controversial league for the 2024 season and possibly beyond.
Contract figures were not disclosed, including the length, but it is safe to say that Rahm is getting a hefty upfront guarantee along with annual payments, as well as the opportunity to play for $20 million purses every week along with captaining his own team—so far undisclosed—which comes with 25 percent equity.
Rahm said his decision had nothing to do with any angst or displeasure with the PGA Tour and said he was unaware of the status of the "framework agreement" negotiations with the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia, which funds LIV Golf.
"I’m forever grateful to the PGA Tour and the platform they allowed me to be on," Rahm said. “I have nothing bad to say about them. They allowed me the opportunity to play in some great events and allowed me to make a mark."
Asked if he had any issues with the player leadership on the PGA Tour Policy Board, including recently resigned member Rory McIlroy and new member Tiger Woods, Rahm was nothing but complimentary.
"That doesn’t have any role," Rahm said. "It’s incredible that two golfers the caliber of Tiger and Rory—especially Rory playing full time—took on this big of a task. For Rory, it’s impressive he could take on the level he has. It’s taken a lot of hours from his usual time. I felt my voice being heard plenty of times. A lot of players in the meetings have their voices heard and I never felt underheard."
Then Rahm joked about his request earlier this year for better player amenities, which the Tour is requiring of all tournaments.
"I’m happy to see there will be more bathrooms next year," he said.
Rahm added: “This has nothing to do with the PGA Tour or the deal or anything like that. I like LIV Golf, I like the product and playing in countries I’ve never been to. I’m eager to be part of it. I certainly hope these agreements end up being best for golf and everybody. This is what I wanted to do."
The biggest unresolved questions that Rahm could not answer were about the team aspect of LIV Golf. A critic of the overall format previously, he said he looks forward to being a captain of a team but would not disclose who would be joining him, if he’s getting a new team or an existing one.
Rahm said he has spoken with his main equipment endorser, Callaway Golf, and they are staying with him, speculation being that the company could be an investor in his team.
The LIV Golf teams are a huge part of the LIV business model. The idea has been to sell them to owners, with LIV Golf recouping 75% of the selling price. For the bulk of 2023, teams were charged with attempting to sell their own sponsorships and ticket packages, and they are responsible for team travel and expenses.
"Will have to wait and see," Rahm said when asked about specifics as it related to the team he will captain.