It's official: Jon Rahm is leaving the PGA Tour for LIV Golf.
That news had been reported by multiple outlets earlier in the day on Thursday, and on Thursday evening, Rahm himself shared the news on social media:
I am proud to join @livgolf_league and be part of something new that is bringing growth to the sport. I have no doubt that this is a great opportunity for me and my family and am very excited for the future. pic.twitter.com/myf4isJgJ3
— Jon Rahm Rodriguez (@JonRahmpga) December 7, 2023
In his post, the Masters champion said, "I have no doubt that this is a great opportunity for me and my family and am very excited for the future."
That social media post came just minutes after Rahm was seen in an LIV Golf jacket before a live hit on FOX News.
Rahm coming up next on Fox News pic.twitter.com/8lfsQx2285
— No Laying Up (@NoLayingUp) December 7, 2023
Rahm declined to discuss specifics about his deal with LIV Golf, but reports are that his compensation was for "at least" $300 million and could be in the range of $500 million, plus potential equity.
“I’ve been very happy,” Rahm said on FOX News. “But there is a lot of things that LIV Golf has to offer that were very enticing.”
As far back as June 2022 when discussing LIV Golf, Rahm has emphasized he does not play golf for the money, a stance he reiterated once again during Thursday's FOX News interview:
“It was a great offer. The money is great, obviously it’s wonderful. But what I said before is true: I do not play golf for the money. I play golf for the love of the game and for the love of golf. But, as a husband, as a father and as a family man I have a duty to my family to give them the best opportunities and the most amount of resources possible and that is where that comes in.”
In June of this year, Rahm expressed his surprise at the deal struck between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf:
“I want to have faith that this is the best thing for all of us, but it’s clear that that’s not the consensus," Rahm said at the time. "I think the general feeling is that a lot of people feel a bit of betrayal from management. I get the secrecy. It’s just not easy as a player that’s been involved, like many others, to wake up one day and see this bombshell.”
Information from the Associated Press was used in this report. This is a developing story.
