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
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.