Jon Rahm and PGA Tour event he loves both suffer from £450 million LIV Golf move

Jon Rahm was one of Mexico Open’s biggest supporters during his time on the PGA Tour, but the Spaniard is now banned from competing following his move to LIV Golf

Jon Rahm and the Mexico Open have both experienced the consequences of the strained relationship between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf due to his lucrative transfer.

In December, Rahm signed a lucrative deal reportedly worth £450 million, making it one of LIV’s most significant achievements.

However, joining the Saudi league came with consequences for the Masters champion as he faced a ban from the PGA Tour, following the lead of Phil Mickelson and others.

The Spanish athlete is definitely a significant absence for the American circuit, establishing himself as one of the top players globally while competing on the Tour.

In his eight years with the PGA Tour, Rahm won 11 times including two major titles at the 2021 U.S. Open and 2023 Masters. One of his favourite wins came in the year in between the green jacket winner’s major triumphs, after winning the Mexico Open at Vidanta Vallarta in 2022.

Speaking about his admiration for the event when returning as defending champion last April, Rahm said: “This in itself, even though there’s competition, you’re in such a relaxing spot, great resort, great amenities, great food, great people, great weather. There’s a lot worse places to be than this one. I’m glad to be back and I’m glad to be in good form this year.”

Days later the European star came within three shots of defending his title, after finishing in second behind 2023 champion, Tony Finau. The PGA Tour is back in Mexico this week, but it is of course doing so without the addition of its most distinguished winner in Rahm on the back of his recent ban.

The tournament will proceed without its two biggest home players from Mexico, Carlos Ortiz and Abraham Ancer, in addition to the absence of the Spaniard. Both players had established themselves as top players in the world while competing in the PGA Tour before deciding to join LIV after being approached by Greg Norman and his team.

“Due to their ongoing suspensions, they were unable to participate in their home tournament this week. However, earlier this month, the duo had the opportunity to compete in a tournament on home soil at Mayakoba for the second time in the 2024 season opener.”

The competition in North America was significant for Rahm, as he competed for the first time after moving to a new circuit. Rahm had a strong beginning, finishing third in the individual rankings and also winning the time title with Legion XIII.