Masters champion Jon Rahm jumped from the PGA Tour to Saudi-backed LIV Golf on Thursday in a big-money transfer that has despatched one other shockwave by way of the game.
The 29-year-old turns into the most important identify to signal on with the insurgent circuit funded by Saudi Arabia’s Public Funding Fund (PIF) since Australian Cameron Smith joined after profitable the 2022 British Open.
“I’m proud to hitch LIV Golf and be a part of one thing new that’s bringing progress to the game,” stated Rahm, in an announcement from LIV Golf. “I’ve little question that this can be a nice alternative for me and my household and am very excited for the longer term.”
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One among golf’s hottest and charismatic figures, Rahm’s departure will likely be seen as one other large blow to the PGA Tour which has seen lots of its greatest names leap to the breakawy league.
Media stories stated the world quantity three will likely be paid at the least $300 million with some retailers placing the assure at nearer to $600 million.
Rumours of his swap to LIV Golf gathered steam when he pulled out of subsequent month’s American Categorical match, a PGA Tour occasion he has received twice earlier than and the place he’s the defending champion.
Rahm will make his LIV Golf League debut on the circuit’s season opening occasion on Feb. 2-4 at LIV Golf Mayakoba in Mexico.