appConfigEntityId

bodyType

customContents

entityId

entityUuid

isVideo

articlePageQuery

article

articleSchemaContent

content

hooksArticlePageAdvertisementConfigArticle

hooksArticlePageFloatingButtonConfigArticle

appConfig

filter

json

liveArticle

Reuters

Masters champion Jon Rahm jumped from the PGA Tour to Saudi-backed LIV Golf on Thursday in a big-money move that has sent another shock wave through the sport.
The 29-year-old becomes the biggest name to sign on with the rebel circuit funded by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) since Australian Cameron Smith joined after winning the 2022 Open Championship.
“I am proud to join LIV Golf and be part of something new that is bringing growth to the sport,” said Rahm, in a statement from LIV Golf. “I have no doubt that this is a great opportunity for me and my family and am very excited for the future.”
One of golf’s most popular and charismatic figures, Rahm’s departure will be seen as another massive blow to the PGA Tour which has watched many of its stars defect to the breakaway league.
Media reports said the world number three will be paid at least $300 million with some outlets putting the guarantee at closer to $600 million.

Rumours of Rahm’s switch to LIV Golf gathered steam when he pulled out of next month’s American Express tournament, a PGA Tour event he has won twice before and where he is the defending champion.
The former-world number one will make his LIV Golf debut at the league’s season opening event on February 2 to 4 at LIV Golf Mayakoba in Mexico.
“When I first met Jon at the age of 17, I knew then that the golfing world was about to witness the birth of a new star,” Greg Norman, the LIV Golf commissioner and CEO, said. “Jon has consistently validated that he is one of the top players in the world.
“He’s a generational talent who has proven his merit as a multiple major champion and tremendous ambassador for global golf by placing the game ahead of himself.”
Rahm joins a growing stable of majors winners at LIV that had already included Phil Mickelson, Dustin Johnson, Brooks Koepka and Bryson DeChambeau.
The Spaniard had declared his “fealty to the PGA Tour” last year but has since had a change of heart after the two rival tours put aside their differences to announce a landmark agreement in June to merge and form a commercial entity to unify golf.
The announcement, which brought an end to legal battles between the parties but triggered antitrust concerns from US regulators, also called for a definitive agreement to be reached by December 31, although the sides can agree to extend the deadline.
But with no agreement on the horizon, Rahm’s capture is a coup for LIV adding to the circuit’s credibility.
“LIV Golf is here to stay,” Lawrence Burian, LIV Golf’s COO, said. “The addition of Jon re-emphasises that our league is not slowing down. We are continuing to invest and build aggressively for LIV’s long-term and exciting future.”
Rahm has been one of golf’s most dominant players with 20 career wins, including his two major titles.
He claimed the DP World Tour Championship three times and played in three Ryder Cups, helping lead Team Europe to victory in 2018 and 2023.
His trophy case also includes 2021 PGA of America Player of the Year honours as well twice being voted European Tour (DP World Tour) Golfer of the Year.


Henrik Stenson’s place in golf history secure, but knows LIV Golf will merit a mention

Who is Garrett Clark? Meet the Good Good co-founder at the centre of a golf ad controversy

Meet Mikayla Demaiter, the hockey player-turned-model dating golfer Bryson DeChambeau

After the LIV golden years, it’s back to the future for Hong Kong Open and Asian Tour

LIV Golf

Masters champion Jon Rahm sends shock waves through game by ditching PGA Tour for LIV Golf

Jon Rahm is taking his talents to LIV Golf next year. Photo: AFP

Jon Rahm (left) and LIV Golf commissioner and CEO Greg Norman pose for a photo in New York. Photo: LIV Golf

Hong Kong’s Taichi Kho ‘soaks it all in’ with LIV Golf Promotions event opportunity

Kieran Vincent of Zimbabwe and Hong Kong’s Taichi Kho answer questions at a press conference ahead of the LIV Golf Promotions event at the Abu Dhabi Golf Club. Photo: Asian Tour.

LIV Golf riches up for grabs in Abu Dhabi as players battle for places – 3 will succeed

Jon Rahm of Spain is among the players who have been linked with a switch to the Saudi-funded LIV Golf. Photo: AP

Australia’s Jason Day has been the subject of media reports about a move to the Saudi-backed LIV. Photo: AP

Spain’s David Puig joined the LIV circuit when he turned professional last year. Photo: AFP

Sport

Golf

Spaniard becomes biggest name to make switch since Cameron Smith joined in 2022
29-year-old will make his debut at LIV Golf’s first tournament of next year in Mexico


Spaniard becomes biggest name to make switch since Open champion Cameron Smith joined in 2022.


Masters champion Jon Rahm sends shock waves through game by ditching PGA Tour for LIV Golf

.css-1mniedq{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;}Spaniard becomes biggest name to make switch since Cameron Smith joined in 2022 29-year-old will make his debut at LIV Golf’s first tournament of next year in Mexico

Spaniard becomes biggest name to make switch since Cameron Smith joined in 2022

29-year-old will make his debut at LIV Golf’s first tournament of next year in Mexico