Jon Rahm has pleaded with the LIV Golf League to change to a 72-hole format on the eve of the 2024 Masters at Augusta National.
Jon Rahm has urged the LIV Golf League to switch to a 72-hole format on the eve of the Masters.
The golfer told BBC Sport he believes the change could ultimately pave the way for unity in the men’s game.
Rahm heads into the 2024 Masters with the sport still very much divided.
Ten months ago the PGA Tour announced a framework agreement with LIV’s financiers, the PIF of Saudi Arabia.
But that agreement is yet to be ratified and we are none the wiser what future is in store.
World number two Rory McIlroy warned last week the rift simply cannot continue, describing the schism as ‘unsustainable’.
And Rahm is in agreement something must be done. And quickly.
The 29-year-old used to have reservations about LIV’s format, previously stating that their events were not similar to traditional golf tournaments.
Rahm surprised the golf community in December by agreeing to a deal worth an estimated £450m ($566.4m) with the breakaway. “He has not yet achieved his first win at LIV, but his performance has been steady as he has consistently placed in the top-10.”
He is convinced that he is not the only one who wants LIV to switch to a more traditional format. He expressed the belief that extending LIV to 72 holes would greatly benefit the ongoing argument.
I believe it would be beneficial for LIV Golf to align with other entities to potentially create a unified world tour. “I can’t speak for others, but personally, I wouldn’t have any objections to returning to playing 72 holes.”
Rahm expressed displeasure with the announcement of the PGA Tour-PIF deal on 6 June.
The surprising news was revealed right before the 2023 U.S. Open at Los Angeles Country Club. He mentioned that he was not pleased.
He added: “”At the US Open trying to deal with something like that wasn’t perfect timing.
“What we need to reflect on is the second that framework agreement was worked on, everything changed.
“And that’s where the beginning of all this change happened. If it wasn’t me (making the move) it would have been someone else at some point.
“If the PGA Tour is now open to working with the PIF or LIV or maybe coming together in some kind of way then that opened the door for me to do the same thing.”
“I see everybody’s scepticism”
Rahm acknowledged that there are likely some people who think that his preparation for the Masters has been affected since joining LIV.
This time last year, Rahm had achieved three victories on the PGA Tour.
He has participated in 17 fewer competitive rounds this year compared to last. However, he believes that, if anything, he will feel more refreshed.
He acknowledged that he understands everyone’s doubt and skepticism.
He mentioned that he has experienced it himself and has discussed it with more people than most would.
“It was a concern that was preventing me from potentially becoming a part of LIV Golf. However, being here now, once the tournament begins, there are moments when I forget that I have only played 54 holes.”
That being said, Faldo didn’t hold back on his opinion of Rahm.
“He has been playing resort courses in his shorts for the last couple of months and hasn’t really been tested yet,” he said.