The whispers within the golf world at the moment are a stunning actuality with Jon Rahm confirming on Friday that he has left the PGA Tour to hitch LIV Golf.
The world No.3 and reigning Masters champion made the information official on America’s Fox Information, thus ending long-running hypothesis that he was defecting to the Saudi-backed circuit.
“That is me lastly saying that after all of the rumours, a few of them have been true, and I’ve formally joined LIV Golf,” Rahm informed the community.
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The transfer was additionally confirmed in a LIV assertion, which included LIV chief Greg Norman’s glowing endorsement of the two-time major-winner.
“Once I first met Jon on the age of 17, I knew then that {the golfing} world was about to witness the delivery of a brand new star. Jon has constantly validated that he is among the high gamers on the planet. He’s a generational expertise who has confirmed his benefit as a a number of main champion and great ambassador for international golf by putting the sport forward of himself,” Norman stated.
“There are only a few athletes together with his pedigree of expertise, management, poise, and dedication to bringing progress to the game on a worldwide stage. We couldn’t be extra excited to welcome Jon to the LIV Golf household because the league continues preparations for an enormous 2024 and past.”
Rahm added: “I’m proud to hitch LIV Golf and be a part of one thing new that’s bringing progress to the game.
“I’ve little question that it is a nice alternative for me and my household and am very excited for the long run.”
Earlier experiences on Rahm’s defection have famous the deal would pay the reigning Masters champ someplace within the vary of $600 million (A$907m).
Neither Rahm or the LIV assertion confirmed how a lot cash he can be making at LIV.
Particulars on what workforce he will likely be becoming a member of will likely be introduced at a later date, LIV stated.
Rahm’s confirmed transfer represents a seismic shift within the golf world as he immediately turns into the face of the insurgent league.
It comes as PGA Tour head Jay Monahan is planning to fulfill with Yasir Al-Rumayyan, governor of the Public Funding Fund of Saudi Arabia, which might additional entwine the PGA with LIV Golf, which can also be funded by PIF.
The 2 sides have till a Dec. 31 deadline to finish negotiations after a framework settlement was stunningly introduced in June. It’s attainable, although, that the deadline is pushed into the brand new yr.
Indicators of Rahm’s departure have been popping up for weeks.
First, the 29-year-old pulled out of TGL, the technology-driven golf league being run by Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy that’s partnered with the PGA Tour.
Then, golf reporter Alan Shipnuck claimed that Phil Mickelson — who’s an in depth good friend of Rahm’s and shares an agent with him — had been telling those that Rahm coming to LIV Golf was a “performed deal.”
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And this week, Rahm was not within the subject for The American Specific event, which he gained final yr.
There was nonetheless motive to be sceptical as Rahm had remained publicly and steadfastly dedicated to the PGA Tour.
“I’ve by no means actually performed the sport of golf for financial causes. I play for the love of the sport, and I wish to play towards one of the best on the planet …” Rahm stated eventually yr’s U.S. Open. “I’ve all the time been concerned about historical past and legacy, and proper now the PGA Tour has that. There’s a that means while you win the Memorial Championship. There’s a that means while you win Arnold Palmer’s occasion at Bay Hill. There’s a that means while you win L.A., Torrey, a few of these historic venues. That to me issues loads.
“After successful this previous U.S. Open, solely me and Tiger (Woods) have gained at Torrey Pines. Making putts on 18—that’s a reminiscence that I’m gonna have endlessly that not many individuals can say. My coronary heart is with the PGA Tour. That’s all I can say. It’s not my enterprise or my character to evaluate anyone who thinks in any other case. And for lots of people, I’m not gonna lie, these subsequent three, 4 years are price, principally, their retirement plan. It’s a really good compensation till they retire and sail off into the sundown.”
Rahm will, nevertheless, sail his life in a distinct course.
LIV Golf doesn’t lack star energy with Mickelson, Brooks Koepka, Dustin Johnson, Cam Smith and Bryson DeChambeau among the many gamers who’ve beforehand defected for offers reported to be within the $100 million vary.
Nonetheless, it has had a troublesome time garnering an viewers.
LIV was broadcast on YouTube in its inaugural season and had minuscule scores in Yr 2 on the CW.
How a PGA-LIV merger adjustments the way forward for each excursions stays to be seen — if it even involves fruition.
However, for now, one of many greatest gamers within the sport is switching sides.
This story initially appeared on the New York Submit and has been reposted with permission