In news that won’t shock many, Masters champion Jon Rahm has become the latest high-profile player to switch to the LIV Golf League – signing a deal understood to be worth up to NZ$950m.
Twenty-nine year-old Rahm, who previously criticised the LIV league, will be the highest-ranked player to join the league. The current world No 3 won four times on the PGA Tour this year – including victory at The Masters – and be part of Europe’s successful Ryder Cup team.
Rahm was a noticeable absentee from the list of names committing to the PGA Tour’s American Express from January 18-21, despite being the defending champion and a two-time winner of the event.
He told Fox News: “Things have changed a lot in the game of golf over the past two years and I’ve seen the growth of LIV Golf and the innovation.
“That’s why I’m here today. This decision was made for many reasons and what I thought was best for me. Don’t get me wrong, it’s a great deal.”
Rahm accepts he has “taken a risk” in terms of participating in future Ryder Cups.
He added: “My position for the Ryder Cup remains the same. I’ve explained many times how meaningful it is to me and I hope I can be in future editions. It’s a big risk to take.”
