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Masters Champion Jon Rahm has become LIV Golf’s most important signing since its launch just 18 months ago.
The world number three’s decision to join the Saudi-funded breakaway represents a huge turnaround and deepens divisions in men’s professional football.
Here, the PA news agency looks at the background to this decision and what could happen next?
Was Rahm always interested in LIV Golf?
While players like Rory McIlroy openly expressed his opposition, Rahm was always more measured in his comments, making clear that he felt LIV players should be allowed to play in this year’s Ryder Cup and saying he was not blaming two young compatriots David Puig and Eugenio Chacarra for interrupting their studies. careers to accept the money offered. However, he pledged his loyalty to the PGA Tour in February last year, criticized LIV’s 54-hole no-cut format and insisted he was playing golf to make history, not to money.
So what has changed?
The framework agreement between the PGA Tour, DP World Tour and Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), which finances LIV, appears to have been the catalyst. All players were blindsided by the sudden announcement of a possible peace deal on June 6, with Rahm revealing that he was making breakfast when he heard the news and was worried his phone would “catch up.” fire” as texts and calls poured in. later, at the US Open, Rahm described it as a “bomb” and admitted that many players felt “a little bit of betrayal from management”. This undoubtedly caught the attention of LIV officials, who ultimately made Rahm an offer he didn’t think he could refuse, even if it meant risking his Ryder Cup future.
What is the situation with the Ryder Cup?
As long as he remains a member of the DP World Tour by competing in at least four regular events per season, Rahm will be able to attempt to qualify for the Ryder Cup or receive a wild card from the captain. Luke Donald. However, he will face fines and suspensions for participating in LIV tournaments without the required clearances for DP World Tour “conflict events.” McIlroy has already stressed the need for Rahm to be part of the team that will attempt to retain the trophy at Bethpage Black in 2025, leaving the DP World Tour in a potentially awkward position.
How many more players will now join LIV?
Many names have already been associated with jumping the ship, although the Polish name Adrian Meronk was quick to refute rumors suggesting he would be among them after recently earning his PGA Tour card. A place on Rahm’s team, which has yet to be determined, would certainly be attractive financially and they would not face the same level of scrutiny and criticism as the two-time major winner.
What happens next?
Of course, there remains the possibility that the framework agreement results in a final agreement between the rival factions and players are free to clash wherever they wish. PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan and PIF Chairman Yasir Al-Rumayyan are due to meet soon to reach an agreement before the December 31 deadline, which may be extended. However, if either party pulls out, with private equity potentially providing alternative sources of funding to the PGA Tour, the game could be divided again and face years of additional acrimony and upheaval .
