A top 100 player in the world has torn into Jon Rahm over his LIV Golf move, insisting the Spaniard broke the unwritten rules.
Jon Rahm’s choice to become a member of LIV Golf will be remembered forever.
According to a top 100 player in the Official World Golf Ranking who expressed his opinion in an article for GolfDigest, Rahm’s decision to switch to LIV was a good one.
The player stated that several PGA Tour players were upset by Rahm’s decision and he thinks that the Spaniard violated an unspoken rule.
“Rahm made it known that he was becoming a part of LIV on 8 December 2023, at a time when the Tour and PIF were nearing finalization of a peace agreement.”
Part of that agreement stipulated LIV wouldn’t poach any PGA Tour stars until the discussions were concluded.
When Rahmbo signed for LIV, it was speculated it would surely be the tipping point for both tours to navigate a path forwards.
In other words, LIV aren’t going anywhere and it would be in the Tour’s best interest to stop bringing a knife to a gun fight.
But the player doesn’t see it that way at all Rahm and his decision will only prolong the schism.
“He is not what got the SSG deal to the finish line,” the player wrote. “Or what will bring PIF and the tour together.
“Jon did this because he got half a billion dollars. Full stop.”
The player also claimed Rahm ‘clearly fell’ for whatever Phil Mickelson was selling him.
Rahm and the six-time major champion are close friends. It’s no secret they are managed by the same company.
The reigning Masters champion previously revealed Mickelson told him he had no need to ever join LIV. How times change.
“It’s disappointing that Jon couldn’t see through the charade,” the player added.
Explained the player:
“Jon hurt a lot of us by what he did, and even if the tour is in a slightly better shape post-SSG deal, that hurts towards Jon remains.
“I do hope this fight between the tour and LIV ends soon, and if Jon comes back, I’ll still treat him with respect.
“But pros aren’t good at forgetting, and Jon’s defection is something we’ll remember.”
Rahm has extensively discussed his decision to join LIV Golf. Naturally, he has not attempted to avoid acknowledging that he was generously compensated.
He has always kept the exact amount of his payment a secret. His most recent justification for joining LIV was provided during an interview with ESPN.
During the interview, Rahm mentioned that winning the Masters helped him make his decision.
He stated that Rory McIlroy approved of his choice, however Tiger Woods had a contrasting response.
Rahm expressed his wish to keep competing on both the PGA Tour and DP World Tour, pending permission.