Golf Superstar Jon Rahm Signs with Saudi-Backed LIV Golf League
Golf superstar Jon Rahm has made headlines by officially signing on with the Saudi-backed LIV Golf league, marking a significant departure from the PGA Tour. This announcement comes after weeks of speculation about Rahm’s potential move to the league.
Rahm, who recently won the Masters in April and is currently ranked No. 3 in the world, expressed his excitement about joining LIV Golf during an interview with Fox News. He stated, “The growth that LIV Golf has brought to the game is something with a ton of potential and something I’m really excited about.”
When asked about the reported price tag of the deal, Rahm declined to comment, referring to it as private business. However, sources have suggested that the deal could be worth more than $300 million and may extend beyond three years. Additionally, Rahm might receive an ownership stake in a new team as LIV Golf continues to recruit PGA Tour players.
The signing of Jon Rahm is the latest development in the ongoing saga between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf. Both leagues face a December 31 deadline to determine the fate of their proposed merger. Speculation within the golf community suggests that LIV Golf’s acquisition of Rahm could be a strategic move to pressure the PGA Tour into approving the merger.
LIV Golf has been actively recruiting PGA Tour players, which has caused tension among other golfers in the sport. Rory McIlroy, the world’s No. 2 player, previously stated that he would retire if LIV Golf became “the last place to play golf on earth.”
The PGA Tour has chosen not to comment on the news of Rahm’s deal with LIV Golf. Rahm’s representatives and agencies associated with him have also declined to provide any statements at this time.
Reports about Rahm’s potential move to LIV Golf were initially published by The Wall Street Journal. The deal signifies a significant shift in the golf landscape and highlights the growing influence of the Saudi-backed league.
As the December 31 deadline approaches, the golf world eagerly awaits the outcome of the proposed merger between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf.
