'I'm Not Allowed To': Jon Rahm Says He Will Avoid Public Events During Offseason With LIV Golf

Jon Rahm said at a function in Spain on Wednesday that he intends to keep a low profile, avoid public events and not do any interviews until the launch of LIV Golf’s 2024 season in February.

Rahm, 29, the reigning Masters champion who is currently third in the Official World Golf Rankings and fourth in the SI World Golf Rankings, signed with the LIV Golf League last week after weeks of speculation. It again shook the golf world.

In what was his first appearance after signing with the league funded by the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia, Rahm said he was surprised to see TV cameras at an event he was attending in the northern Spanish city of Bilbao.

Expect to see a lot less of Jon Rahm outside the ropes in 2024.

IMAGO / Ricardo Larreina Amador

According a Reuters report, Rahm was there to receive an award from a private club in his native Basque in recognition of his career.

“I am under very strict instructions not to do public events, which I have imposed on myself a little bit for myself, and for the change I have given to the world of golf in the last week,’’ Rahm said. “There will be nothing until February, I’m not allowed to.’’

Rahm's desire to stay in the background is not believed to be at the behest of LIV Golf, but LIV golfers do have some stipulations in their deals that they must pre-approve interviews.

Various report have Rahm being paid in excess of $300 million to join LIV in the form of a signing bonus and annual fees.

And his decision came at a time when the PIF is in the midst of negotiations with the PGA Tour and DP World Tour to form some sort of alliance and end the division between the sides. The “framework agreement’’ has a Dec. 31 deadline, although it is possible it could be extended.

PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan and PIF governor Yasir Al-Rumayyan were expected to meet this week for face-to-face talks.

Rahm is LIV’s biggest signing since British Open champion Cam Smith moved to the league shortly after his victory at St Andrews. LIV now has three of the past five major champions.

At the event, Rahm said, “I don’t consider that what I do is much different, and that I am more of less important than the rest. The only thing is that I’m seen on TV right now and that’s it … hopefully a little less in the future.’’