HOYLAKE (England) – Jon Rahm does not believe he should receive compensation for his loyalty to PGA Tour. However, he will not stop anyone who wants to.
Rahm, who spoke at a press event on Tuesday ahead of the 151 stBritish Open, said: “It’s tricky.” “I understand that the PGA Tour wants to reward those players who have helped the PGA Tour and stayed there, but I was not forced to do anything. It was my decision to stay. Do I believe they should absolutely be paid and that there must be compensation? No. I stayed, because it was the best decision for me and the type of golf I wanted to play.
“Now that’s said, if the person wants to do it, then I won’t say no.”
The laughter ensued.
Rahm continued. “We had all the opportunity to go to LIV to take the money, but we chose to remain at the PGA Tour. I make a great living already, as I have said. The PGA Tour gave me a platform to do this, and I am extremely grateful. “I think they have done enough for me and should focus on improving the PGA Tour for future generations.”
Jon Rahm picks his golf ball up on the seventh green during a round of practice for The Open Championship at Royal Liverpool. Kyle Terada – USA TODAY Sports
Rahm believes that some punishment should be given to those who have defected from the PGA Tour to LIV, but that it is above his pay grade.
“I understand that the PGA Tour does not want those players to return, but I also understand their desire to do so. Rahm stated that there are some fantastic events and golf courses where many people would like to return. “I believe some sort of punishment is in order but I have no idea what it should be – I am not a politician.” It’s not my responsibility. It’s not my job. “My job is to try my best to hit the ball and do the best that I can.”
Rahm was one of many players who were blindsided by the news on 6 June that the PGA Tour, Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund and the financial backers for the renegade League had reached an agreement in a five-page agreement framework to end litigation and establish a new commercial entity.
Rahm gave PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan a “vote of confidence” by saying he thought he had done a “fantastic job.” He also noted that Monahan texted him, but the two haven’t spoken since Monahan’s health issues forced him to be sidelined. He returned to his job on Monday.
Photos of Jon Rahm through the years
Rahm stated, “I hope that whatever illness he was suffering from wasn’t serious. I also hope that he and his family were doing well and that his health had returned to normal.” “I thought the PGA Tour management, the turn that they took without our knowledge was very surprising, but I still believe he has been doing a fantastic job.” After what happened, it seems only fair that they have the time to sort things out.
Rahm has many opinions but said he won’t go out of his ways to express them.
He said, “If you’d like my opinion, just ask me.” “I believe they should speak to the members and get an understanding of the players’ current situation. It’s not just about me. It should be an overall feeling about what the partnership is trying to achieve. I won’t be calling them every day to tell them what I believe and what they should do. “Let’s just say it.”
Rahm said that the deal may be able to be negotiated with cooler heads.
He said, “I hope they can come to a partnership where they are both happy with the outcome, and everyone can move forward and become the best golf products we can offer, no matter what that looks like.” “It’s obvious that things are cooling down and we’re now all waiting to see what happens.”
