Corridor of Famer Fred {Couples} has ridiculed the rationale world No. 3 and reigning Masters champion Jon Rahm gave for his $900 million defection to LIV Golf.
Rahm was a staunch and public supporter of staying on the PGA Tour in its struggle in opposition to LIV, earlier than doing a shocking backflip final week.
Rahm claimed it was for the chance to be a pioneer and assist “revolutionise and innovate” the game in an evidence that only a few individuals purchased.
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{Couples} summed up what he considered Rahm’s assertion in simply two phrases throughout a no-hold-barred phase on his SiriusXM PGA Tour radio present this week.
“My ass,” {Couples} stated of Rahm’s purported reasoning.
“$100 million (USD) doesn’t get it, $200 million doesn’t get it, $300 million doesn’t get it, however for $400 million it’s an awesome product, and it’s an awesome present?” {Couples} stated.
“Inform me the following man, whether or not it’s Tony Finau, ‘I’m going free of charge, boys. I really like this Tour. I don’t just like the PGA Tour anymore’. Nobody’s gonna do this.”
“What does that inform me? It tells me it’s all about cash, which is ok. However don’t sit there and go on and inform me they’re ‘altering the sport.’ What are they altering?
“Really, for 50 years, golf has been modified. Arnold Palmer modified it. Jack Nicklaus modified it. Tiger Woods modified it.
“The LIV Tour ain’t altering a factor.”
USA TODAY Sports activities columnist Nancy Armour was much more scathing in her brutal evaluation of Rahm’s choice.
“Solely Jon Rahm can say whether or not he bought his soul. His ideas and his fame, nonetheless, are actually owned by the Saudis,” she wrote.
“The 2-time main champion and once-ardent defender of the PGA Tour turned the most important title to defect to LIV Golf on Thursday, deciding the custom and problem of the Tour weren’t so necessary to him, in any case.
“Who must play on programs the place Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods made their mark when you may stage glorified exhibitions with the Cleeks and the HyFlyers!
“As long as the worth is true, that’s.”