As a major supporter of LIV Golf, Phil Mickelson was unaware of Jon Rahm’s record-breaking deal until it was announced, which dealt a severe blow to the PGA Tour.
In an unprecedented move, Jon Rahm has disclosed that he was forced to decline Phil Mickelson’s invitation to participate in LIV Golf.
Rahm has confirmed he has accepted a lucrative deal – believed to be the biggest in golf history – to join Mickelson in the Saudi-funded golf league. While he remained coy on the details, he’s reported to have earned a £450million deal thanks to a huge signing fee to join Mickelson and co.
Mickelson has been a leading figure since being one of the first players to ditch the PGA Tour and lead the LIV-led revolt among the sport’s top stars. But Rahm insists he had absolutely no role in his own decision to follow suit.
The Spaniard acknowledges consulting the American ace in the past, but he says that due to the nature of the negotiations, he had to keep him in the dark about his historic move.
When asked if Mickelson had any influence on his choice, Rahm responded, “None,” to FOX News. Not a single role. Soon after we finish this Q&A, all those players on LIV will find out. Not a single role.
“He’s somebody I lean on to for advice as I’ve always done but not somebody I’ve talked to. I know he wishes I could’ve talked to him but it’s not something I could’ve done.”
Rahm is close to fellow Spaniard and new LIV Golf colleague Sergio Garcia, but the same applied as far as he was concerned with concerns over any potential leaks.
“We couldn’t risk information coming out even though somehow it always does,” Rahm said. “It’s been certain texts I’ve had to diffuse and certain topics.
“He did reach out and he did talk to me a little bit. We’ve stayed in contact ever since he went so it’s not out of the ordinary.”
Earlier this year, Rahm laughed off the prospect of heading to LIV Golf and even claimed Mickelson had told him not to join. Rahm said previously: “I always have a good time with Phil Mickelson and Sergio Garcia in the practice rounds of majors.
“Phil [Mickelson] regards my choice, and I regard his [choice]. Mickelson has let me know that I have no great explanation to go play for LIV, and he has let me know that on various occasions.”
Presently, Rahm has played out a U-turn and illustrated a few purposes behind doing as such. In spite of the reality those associated with talks remained quiet, Rahm demands the arrangement was distressing however fast beginning to end.
“It’s been a tiny circle for quite a while,” he conceded.
“It’s met up a ton faster than certain individuals perhaps anticipated. Individuals engaged with this who have been helping me out have had a couple of restless weeks. It’s been an intriguing interaction, suppose that.”