John Rahm’s LIV defection set to make Adelaide field strongest ever
The field for the LIV event in Adelaide is set to be the best ever with a blockbuster move confirmed.
Golf
Don't miss out on the headlines from Golf. Followed categories will be added to My News.
The last time Jon Rahm played in Australia he anonymously chipped balls during practice rounds for the 2016 World Cup at Kingston Heath as the world’s 120th ranked player.
But his blockbuster move to Greg Norman’s LIV Golf league, which was confirmed on Friday morning amid reports of a contract worth up to $600m, ensures a trip to Adelaide in 2024 for the world No.3 who will be one of seven Masters winners, and two reigning major champions, in action in what could be the best assembled field in Australian history.
As speculation reached fever pitch in the US, Rahm, who had spoken previously about LIV’s three-round, no-cut tournaments not being “real golf”, confirmed his move on Fox News before a LIV Golf statement locked in the sport-shaking news, leaving golf fans in Adelaide licking their lips.
Rahm wouldn’t reveal the figure he’d signed for, amid reports it could be as much as $600m, and said he didn’t play “for the money”.
“I can’t comment on that. It’s private and it’s going to stay private,” he said.
“The money is great. Obviously, it’s wonderful. But I do not play golf for the money.
“I am proud to join LIV Golf 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.”
Rahm said he was ready for the critics given his early opposition to LIV and having previously pledged loyalty to the PGA Tour.
“I’m very comfortable with my decision,” Rahm said.
“I’m no stranger to hearing some negative things on social media or in media. It’s part of what it is, we’re public figures but you just learn to deal with it right?”
LIV’s second event in Adelaide is locked in for Apr 26-28 after the 2023 tournament, staged at The Grange Golf Club, was a four-day sellout and rated the best golf event of the year, across any tour, at the World Golf Awards.
Already boasting a plethora of major champions, headlined by Australian star Cameron Smith, the addition of Rahm to a field including reigning US PGA champ Brooks Koepka as well as golfing greats Phil Mickelson and Dustin Johnson could make the 2024 edition beyond compare when it comes to superstar talent.
Confirmation of Rahm’s defection to the Saudi-backed tour, amid ongoing negotiations between the US PGA Tour and the Saudi Public Investment Fund that could determine LIV’s future, looms as one of biggest wins for Norman, coming ahead of just LIV’s third full season.
Norman hailed Rahm as a “generational talent” who had placed “the game ahead of himself”.
“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,” Norman said.
“There are very few athletes with his pedigree of talent, leadership, poise, and commitment to bringing progress to the sport on a worldwide stage. We couldn’t be more excited to welcome Jon to the LIV Golf family as the league continues preparations for a huge 2024 and beyond.”
LIV star and 2021 US Open champ Bryson DeChambeau was quick to welcome Rahm to the tour.
“Excited to compete with you once again my man and continue to play with the best players in the world,” he posted on X.
Amazing to have @JonRahmpga join LIV. So happy for him and his family. Excited to compete with you once again my man and continue to play with the best players in the world.
— Bryson DeChambeau (@b_dechambeau) December 7, 2023
Rahm had been silent since rumours first emerged and remained so with questions abounding about what a move could mean for his Ryder Cup playing status, given all LIV players were shunned from the biennial competition played in Italy this year.
LIV has also been denied world ranking points for events, which would mean a drop down the rankings for Rahm similar to that of Smith, who joined the tour when he was No.2 in the world and is now No.23 and sliding, with his Olympic ambitions on a similar decline.
But Rory McIlroy immediately suggested the rules around Ryder Cup eligibility should be “rewritten” so Rahm could play in 2025.
“Jon is going to be in Bethpage in 2025 so, because of this decision, the European Tour (DP World Tour) are going to have to rewrite the rules for the Ryder Cup eligibility,’’ McIlroy told Sky.
“There’s absolutely no question about that – I certainly want Jon Rahm on the next Ryder Cup team.
“I’m going to miss competing against him week in and week out. He has got so much talent, he’s so tenacious and he’s a great teammate in the Ryder Cup. The thing that I’ve realised is that you can’t judge someone for making a decision that they feel is the best thing for them.’’
Originally published as John Rahm’s LIV defection set to make Adelaide field strongest ever
Torture test: Players protest cyclonic conditions at Vic Open
Not even cyclonic gusts of winds could call off the final day of the Victoria Open, as players protested the conditions and rounds lasted over six hours.
Near-faultless Geary closes on Vic Open title
Josh Geary is in the box seat to clinch the Vic Open title after mastering windy conditions at 13th Beach with a round that left his rivals wondering if he would make another error.