Jon Rahm – Masters win, entries in majors affected LIV decision،
Winning last year's Masters and the guaranteed spots in several major tournaments that came with it were a deciding factor in Jon Rahm's decision to move to LIV Golf, according to the highly successful Spanish player whose decision stunned the golf world.
Rahm, 29, announced in December that he was joining the Saudi-backed LIV Golf League. He made his debut in Mexico last weekend, finishing tied for third.
Rahm had initially downplayed his chances of moving to LIV Golf, saying the huge financial incentives to win didn't really interest him.
But he now admits that the money offered was difficult to refuse and that being guaranteed a chance to play at the Masters helped him make his decision.
“Winning the Masters was a big step toward maybe thinking about it,” Rahm told Golf.com’s Breakthrough. “Being exempt from the majors, knowing that you can most likely play the Masters for Life and the US Open at least until 2031, you know, I'm with two of them, right, so It was a deciding factor.”
Rahm reportedly received over $300 million to join LIV Golf, and while he says he meant what he said in 2022, that he was already rich enough to enjoy a lifestyle pleasant, the amounts offered were ultimately too tempting.
“When I said that, I fully meant it and it was true. Now when they slap you with a large amount of money, your feelings change,” Rahm said. “I try not to be a materialistic person, but I also owe it to my family to set them up for success as best I can, and I think having kids has changed that a lot. So money is part of it . , I'm not going to lie.”
Discussions about a possible merger between LIV Golf and the PGA Tour have been ongoing since a framework agreement was reached in June, although the original Dec. 31 deadline to approve the deal was missed.
Rahm said he hopes his decision to play LIV Golf might even help the two sides come together for the good of the sport.
“I sincerely hope things can work out,” he said. “I just hope we get to a point where everything is cohesive, where there is coexistence and there is a path for people to get the same benefits that touring gets.
“I hope that my coming will tip the scales at least a little bit for the golf world to come together, because I see a situation where we can end up with a great product for the crowds and make golf a better business. entertainment. than before.”
Rahm will compete in his second LIV Golf event at Las Vegas Country Club this week. But he admits it's disappointing not to be able to play his favorite tournaments on the PGA Tour.
“Hopefully in the near future I can come back and play some of these events,” Rahm told reporters Tuesday. “I would definitely love to go back and play some of them.
“If there is a way to go back and play, even if it's in invitation form, I will accept it. There are certain events that are special to me and that I would always like to support. “
Reuters contributed to this report.
