Only Jon Rahm knows if he has sold his soul. Saudi Arabia now owns his principles and reputation.
On Thursday, the two-time major winner and former ardent defenders of the PGA Tour, who had once been a staunch defender, became the most notable name to defect from the Tour to LIV Golf. He decided that the challenge and tradition of the Tour were not so important for him after all. Why play on the same courses that Tiger Woods, Jack Nicklaus, and Arnold Palmer played? You can put on a show with the Cleeks or the HyFlyers instead!
As long as you get the best price, of course.
Rahm was no better than Sergio Garcia and Phil Mickelson, despite all his “fealty” towards the PGA Tour and his desire to compete against the best players in the world at tournaments with a rich history. Rahm quickly abandoned his former beliefs when the Saudis offered a high enough figure.
All those zeros will make it easier for him to ignore the blood that was on his former employer’s hands. He can at least use one of the stacks of money to clean it.
Photos of Jon Rahm over the years
It is impossible to undo the damage done to Rahm and his Tour, which he was said by many people to have loved.
Jon Rahm officially joins LIV Golf.
Rahm, like Rory McIlroy had staked a claim as the conscience for golf. He saw LIV’s money grab for what it was and refused to be a part of it. He stated this. He said it many, many times.
“I already earn an incredible living doing what I am.” Rahm told the media in July that he was “extremely grateful” for the PGA Tour’s platform. “I think they’ve done more than enough for me and should focus on improving the PGA Tour for future generations,” Rahm said in July.
Jon Rahm, of Spain, raises his cap to acknowledge the crowd on Day Three at The 151st open at Royal Liverpool Golf Club in Hoylake on July 22, 2023. (Photo by Ross Kinnaird/Getty Images).
He’s actually made it harder for the Tour to continue in its current format. It’s unclear how this will resolve itself. This is a blow to the detente that PGA Tour officials thought they had achieved through their agreement with LIV. The odds are that those with endless amounts of money will get what they want, but the excitement of LIV’s chief operating officer Lawrence Burian Thursday night didn’t change this.
He said, “LIV golf is here to remain.” The addition of Jon is a reminder that our league will not slow down.
This would reduce the game to a mere shell of what was once.
Rahm used to think that LIV was not “real” golf. Shotgun starts and 3-day tournaments? It’s like putting the words through the mouth of a clown. While he was able to win at The Memorial, Torrey Pines, and Augusta National – the best LIV did for tradition was Doral.
Rahm was not the only person who saw LIV as a charade. LIV was not a big broadcaster’s interest, even with Mickelson and Dustin Johnson on board. The CW was the only broadcaster to show LIV. Its ratings were so poor that some stations reran infomercials and preempted tournaments.
Rahm didn’t want that for his career. This was not what Rahm wanted for his career.
He was adamant about his decision until he received money.
Rahm told reporters on Thursday that the golf game has changed dramatically over the last two years. “I’ve also changed,” he said. “Seeing LIV Golf grow, see the evolution of the LIV Golf brand and the innovation has captured my attention.”
Growth? Innovation? Is Rahm aware of some LIV that the rest us are not? Only the Saudis’ offer of money to Rahm changed.
Rahm stated that “everyone’s life is not perfect.”
Tell the family of Jamal Khashoggi. Or to the families of 9/11 victims.
LIV is not just a golfing league. This is a key part of Crown prince Mohammed bin Salman’s plan to use sport to clean up his image. If he spends enough money on sports, he believes the world will ignore his human rights abuses and those of his country. Like the marginalization and suppression of LGBTQ people.
His order to kill Khashoggi whose body then was dismembered with a bonesaw.
Rahm is now working for this person. Rahm’s helping to improve the image of that company.
Rahm, once one of the good guys in the game, is now a hypocrite. He’s still getting paid. Now, that’s what matters.
Nancy Armour, USA TODAY Sports columnist, is on Twitter @nrarmour.
