Jon Rahm's latest LIV Golf claim after breakaway tour debut labelled 'foolish'

Jon Rahm's claim about why he joined LIV Golf after making his debut with the breakaway tour sparked a furious debate on social media.

Jon Rahm's latest LIV Golf claim after breakaway tour debut labelled 'foolish'
Jon Rahm's latest LIV Golf claim after breakaway tour debut labelled …

Jon Rahm's LIV Golf debut in Mayakoba ended with mixed emotions, according to the Spaniard. 

The reigning Masters champion was in contention to claim his maiden win on the breakaway tour at the Greg Norman-designed El Camaleón. 

But the 29-year-old make two sloppy bogeys down the stretch that put paid to his challenge before Joaquin Niemann triumphed in a playoff. 

For Rahm, there was something to smile about given his Legion XIII won the team element. 

Rahm, England's Tyrrell Hatton, Caleb Surratt and Kieran Vincent all split a $3m bonus with the victory. 

What has caught the attention of golf fans, however, is one of Rahm's comments after the conclusion of the $25m tournament. 

"It feels great," Rahm said. "It's very nice - in a day in which in any normal tournament I probably would have been upset at my finish.

"To actually have something to celebrate, and that is one of the big reasons why I decided to transition.

"To share the stage with those three guys, to share the golf course with all the other teams and compete for something else is what it's all about."

X users were quick to remind Rahm there was likely only one reason he decided to bolt for LIV Golf last December. 

"My thoughts is that I can't imagine him saying anything different," one X user said, calling Rahm a 'fool'. 

"Whether he actually believes it is another matter."

Another added: "It's sad to see Rahm debase himself so. He could have been one of the all time greats, now he's just a clown."

Jon Rahm's latest LIV Golf claim after breakaway tour debut labelled 'foolish'

Rahm officially signed for the Saudi Arabia-backed LIV Golf on 8 December 2024. 

The contract he penned is said to be worth in the region of £450m based off an up-front "bonus" and the 25 per cent stake he holds in Legion XIII. 

He joined a list of players who previously insisted they had no desire to join the breakaway. 

Rahm attempted to explain his U-turn in many ways. Primarily, he stated the move was "best for me and my family". 

He placed on record his desire to continue, where possible, to compete on the PGA Tour and DP World Tour. 

Rahm also accepted his LIV move could affect his Ryder Cup future. 

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Everything Jon Rahm said about LIV Golf

February 2022

"This is my official, my one and only time I'll talk about this, where I am officially declaring my fealty to the PGA Tour... I have a lot of belief in the product that they're going to give us in the future. There's a lot more to be able to play for besides just money on the PGA Tour. There's history. There's legacy."

June 2022

"To be honest, part of the [LIV] format is not really appealing to me. Shotgun three days to me is not a golf tournament, no cut. It’s that simple. I want to play against the best in the world in a format that’s been going on for hundreds of years. That’s what I want to see."

June 2022

"Will our [his and wife Kelley Cahill's] lifestyle change if I got $400m? No, it will not change one bit.
Truth be told, I could retire right now with what I've made and live a very happy life and not play golf again.
"So I've never really played the game of golf for monetary reasons.
"My heart is with the PGA Tour. That's all I can say."

December 2022

"If you play good you’re going to end up making money. It's not why I started playing, it's not the reason I play. Money is not really on my mind.
"If it was, I probably might have gone to LIV, right? If money is your goal, that's clearly the path to go down. Every decision I make is to become the best player I can become."

July 2023

"Phil Mickelson...has told me that I have no reason to go to LIV. And he has told me that several times. I laugh when people rumour me with LIV. I've never liked the format."

July 2023

"I just stayed [with the PGA Tour] because I think it's the best choice for myself and for the golf I want to play.
"I already make an amazing living doing what I do. I'm extremely thankful, and that all happened because of the platform the PGA Tour provided me."

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