Articles highlighted the warning given by Ryder Cup teammate Shane Lowry to Spanish golfer Jon Rahm after his decision to join the Saudi-backed LIV Golf league for 2024. Rahm recently signed a monumental deal worth a reported £450 million to depart from the PGA Tour and join the LIV Golf team led by Greg Norman.
Despite Rahm’s move, he has managed to avoid the level of criticism that some of his LIV defectors faced during the initial wave of departures almost two years ago. Tensions within professional golf have somewhat eased in recent months, with news that the PGA Tour has engaged in discussions with the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia (PIF) to possibly establish a peace deal.
Upon informing his Ryder Cup teammates about his decision in a group chat, Rahm was met with mixed reactions. While Lowry expressed no qualms about the move, he advised Rahm to be discreet and not disparage other tours, as some individuals have done in the past.
Lowry also extended the same advice to fellow European Ryder Cup star Tyrrell Hatton, who also made the switch to LIV Golf earlier in the month. Lowry stressed the importance of handling the transition gracefully and reminded them that their remarks about “growing the game” are likely scripted by the LIV Golf communications team.
Rahm, like his LIV colleagues, had his PGA Tour membership temporarily suspended following his move. Nevertheless, as part of the agreement between the Tour and PIF, there is the expectation that Rahm and others will have the opportunity to reclaim their playing rights in the future.
Addressing his future plans, Rahm made it clear that he aims to maintain his status with the PGA Tour and DP World Tour, expressing his desire to compete across all three platforms. He stressed that he does not intend to give up his standing with the PGA Tour and DP World Tour, and hopes that the flexibility of LIV Golf will allow him to participate in events across all three tours.
In conclusion, Jon Rahm’s decision to join LIV Golf has stirred conversations and concerns among his Ryder Cup teammates, particularly surrounding the manner in which he represents the transition. The player’s intention to continue competing across multiple tours indicates the complex dynamics at play within the realm of professional golf.