With the deadline approaching for the merger between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf, Jon Rahm is expected to make his departure from the PGA Tour and join LIV Golf this week. Speculation has been circulating for weeks, and now the Wall Street Journal has provided a specific timeframe for Rahm’s announcement.
Currently ranked as the third-best golfer in the world according to the latest Official World Golf Ranking, Rahm has had a successful career on the PGA Tour, including winning the Masters championship. However, it is rumored that his contract with LIV Golf will be the most lucrative ever offered to a former PGA Tour player.
Estimates suggest that Rahm’s future contract with LIV Golf could range from $450 to $600 million. While Rahm has previously stated that his decision was not solely based on money, the increasing offer may have influenced his choice.
To put this into perspective, Tiger Woods holds the record for the highest career earnings on the PGA Tour with $120,954,766. Rahm is currently ranked 11th on the all-time money list with $51.5 million in earnings. Joining LIV Golf could potentially see Rahm surpassing Woods’ earnings in just one season.
According to the Wall Street Journal report, Rahm’s move to LIV Golf may be seen as a strategic move by the organization to pressure the PGA Tour into finalizing the merger by the December 31st deadline. It could be interpreted as a warning shot from the Saudis or as an insurance policy for LIV Golf in case the merger falls through.
In the past, Rahm has expressed his reservations about the LIV Golf format. He has stated that the unconventional format, with a shotgun start and no cut, does not appeal to him. Rahm prefers to compete against the best players in the traditional format that has been established for centuries.
There is much speculation about the impact of Rahm’s departure on the PGA Tour, as another top golfer joins the Saudi-backed LIV Golf. However, personally, I am indifferent to this move. If LIV Golf is on television, I will watch it, but I believe that the TV product does not match the quality of the PGA Tour.
Watching golfers play with loud music in the background while commentators try to ignore it is not enjoyable for me. Additionally, I believe that more golf is better when it comes to watching professional tournaments. Instead of 54-hole events, I would prefer to see 90-hole tournaments or week-long competitions.
The announcement regarding Jon Rahm’s decision is expected to be made today.
According to the Source brobible.com