Jon Rahm says ‘the money is great’ after signing $570MILLION LIV deal – despite saying he’d NEVER join the Saudi circuit – but admits move may burn bridges with PGA Tour players: ‘I hope my friends stay my friends’
- Jon Rahm kept his word and joined LIV on Thursday for $570 million.
- He insisted that money was “great,” but it was not the driving force behind his move.
- DailyMail.com provides all the latest international sports news.
Third-ranked golfer and Masters champion Jon Rahm has admitted his move from the PGA Tour to LIV Golf was the result of “tempting offers” from the Saudi-funded tour.
On Thursday, Rahm appeared on Fox News wearing a LIV jacket to confirm his move after LIV posted a crossword puzzle hinting at his signing. However, Ram did not openly say how much he is paid for changing tours.
“This is not an easy decision,” Ram said. “There were a lot of things that LIV had to offer and it was really tempting.”
The Spaniard’s compelling deal to join LIV is believed to net him around $570 million, making him the highest-paid golfer on the LIV roster.
“I can’t comment on any of this and I don’t want to,” Rahm said of his deal. “This is a private matter and will remain private. Look, it was a great offer. The money is big, it’s wonderful.
Spaniard Jon Rahm’s big move to LIV was finally confirmed on Thursday evening
Rahm’s deal is worth more than twice the value of LIV’s second-largest contract, owned by Phil Mickelson, who reportedly signed for $200 million.
LIV reportedly gave Dustin Johnson $150 million to jump ship and paid Bryson DeChambeau and Brooks Koepke $100 million each.
Ram insisted that the motive behind the move was to grow the game, adding: “I am an ambitious person, not a greedy one.”
Rahm has also expressed interest in team golf, which is emphasized in the LIV format. Rahm recalled playing for Spain and Arizona State as a student.
“Throughout my career, being part of a team has been very important to me,” Rahm said. “As a professional, you don’t often get a chance like this. It’s something that’s really, really fun to play, and it’s something that’s bigger than just you.”
However, Rahm wasn’t always a fan of the format. In a previous interview, Rahm admitted that he laughed off rumors that he would leave the PGA Tour for LIV.
Rahm met with LIV CEO Greg Norman (right) after the Masters champion agreed to switch tours.
During his eight-year professional career, Rahm has won 11 PGA tournaments, including the 2021 U.S. Open.
“I laugh when people say I play LIV Golf,” Rahm said in “Handicap 54,” translated from Spanish. “I never liked this format. And I always have a good time with Phil Mickelson and Sergio Garcia in the practice rounds of the majors.”
In addition to being the reigning Masters champion, Rahm has won 11 PGA Tours as a professional, including the 2021 U.S. Open.
Rahm also teamed up with Rory McIlroy to help Team Europe beat the United States at the 2023 Ryder Cup in October.
When asked about the PGA Tour, Rahm said, “It wasn’t personal for them, it was for my family. I hope that the friends I have made will remain my friends.”
LIV has announced 12 of 14 tournaments for its second season, which begins Feb. 2-4 at Mayakoba on the Gulf Coast.
LIV’s 2024 schedule not only mirrors PGA Tour events, but also aims to compete with the Super Bowl for viewership. LIV will hold its first event in Las Vegas from February 8-10, concluding the day before Super Bowl Sunday at Allegiant Stadium.