They have had a race on the Formula 1 calendar since 2021, and at the end of 2022 they got the best footballer in the world in Cristiano Ronaldo – and now one of the best golfers: Jon Rahm is leaving the PGA Tour and joining the Saudi series LIV Golf .
The sparrows have been whistling it from the rooftops for a long time, now it’s out: It’s not clear how many millions of dollars had to flow in the end and whether it was really just about the money. But the news of a possible move from Jon Rahm to LIV has piled up as high as the snow mountains in the Alps in the past few days and weeks. And now it’s finally settled: The 2023 Masters Champion, currently number three in the world, is turning his back on the good old world of golf in the form of the PGA Tour and joining the still young LIV series sponsored by the Saudi sovereign wealth fund.
When the multi-million dollar rival league was launched with boss Greg Norman, Rahm announced that it wasn’t for him. However, there was hardly any loud criticism from Rahm, such as that expressed by Rory McIlroy or Tiger Woods. It may also have been because Sergio Garcia, a close friend of Rahm’s, quickly switched sides. Plus other former greats like Henrik Stenson, Phil Mickelson and Lee Westwood. However, Rahm’s personality is making much bigger waves and will certainly shock those in charge of the PGA more.
Most famous LIV faces
Bryson DeChambeau © John Smolek/Golfsupport.nl
Sergio Garcia © Rich Graessle/Golfsupport.nl
Dustin Johnson and Henrik Stenson © Rich Graessle/Golfsupport.nl
Martin Kaymer © Rich Graessle/Golfsupport.nl
Brooks Koepka © Brian Bishop/Golfsupport.nl
Phil Mickelson © Rich Graessle/Golfsupport.nl
Ian Poulter © Joe Robbins/Golfsupport.nl
Patrick Reed © Rich Graessle/Golfsupport.nl
Cameron Smith © John Smolek/Golfsupport.nl
Bubba Watson © Lee Coleman/Golfsupport.nl
Lee Westwood © John Smolek/Golfsupport.nl
Speculation about Rahm’s upcoming move really gained momentum when he announced his withdrawal from the new TGL indoor league. The pressure became even greater when Rahm’s name suddenly no longer appeared in the announcement of a PGA tournament in January in California. Sponsor American Express mentioned players Patrick Cantlay, Xander Schauffele, Tony Finau and Tom Kim in its announcement. But not Rahm, who is after all the defending champion and much more prominent. And now it’s clear why.
The fact that there had recently been less and less information from the Rahm camp only fueled the speculation even more. Even colleagues who beat the USA at Rahm’s side in Rome no longer want to find out anything useful when asked questions in the internal Ryder Cup WhatsApp group. It became quiet and there was still news about whether the Saudis’ offer should be worth 300, 400 or 500 or more million. Now the bomb has exploded and with the Rahm change, LIV has achieved its biggest coup to date, because the Basque is not, like many others, already in the autumn/winter of his career, a crowd favorite and – still – an absolute top star.
Rahm will also be able to take part in the world’s most important golf tournaments in the coming years. He has a lifelong right to compete in the Masters, he is eligible for the PGA Championship and the Open Championship for four more years, and he is eligible for the US Open for another eight years. It is still unclear what the change means for participation in the Ryder Cup. Rory McIlroy, who has been one of the harshest LIV critics in the past, spoke out after the coup in favor of Rahm being allowed to take part. “This is not a question. “I want Jon on the next Ryder Cup team,” said the Northern Irishman.
“Jon Rahm is one of the greatest players we have on the PGA Tour,” Jordan Spieth told the British a few days ago Mirror. “It really wouldn’t be very good for us because we want to play against the best players in the world and that’s Jon. But I know that there are some people who have spoken to him,” said Spieth. The deal is now perfect. Rahm leaves and switches to the Saudi series. And what does the Spaniard himself say after the official announcement?
“I am proud to join LIV and be part of something new that will grow the sport. I have no doubt that it is a great opportunity for me and my family and I am looking forward to an exciting future.” They already have Ronaldo, as does Formula 1, and the World Cup is scheduled to take place in Saudi Arabia in 2034. They have cream now too. LIV boss Greg Norman on the mega deal: “Welcome to the LIV family. When I saw you for the first time you were 19 and I noticed your huge talent right then. Your achievements since then have been enormous and I look forward to the journey with you.”
2023-12-08 06:22:40
#Mega #deal #Rahm #moves #LIV
