Report: PGA Tour in state of panic over Jon Rahm's 'imminent' LIV Golf move

According to a report, the PGA Tour's policy board are 'frantically' trying to save the North American circuit amid reports Jon Rahm is joining LIV Golf.

Ben Smith

07 Dec 2023

Report: PGA Tour in state of panic over Jon Rahm's 'imminent' LIV Golf move

Jon Rahm's alleged switch to the LIV Golf League has led to the PGA Tour's policy board 'frantically' trying to save the North American circuit, according to a report.

At the time of writing Rahm hasn't officially signed with the breakaway tour but is said to be in New York finalising a gargantuan deal that would see him become LIV's biggest signing to date.

The Spanish World No. 3 and reigning Masters champion has reportedly agreed a three-year deal with the Saudi-backed circuit worth a mind-boggling £450m.

ESPN's Mark Schlabach has reported the Spaniard is on the hunt to add multiple PGA Tour stars to fill out the rest of his team.

Early reports have suggested that team would be called Los Toros (The Bulls).

Report: Jon Rahm will move to LIV Golf "in the coming days" and get his own team

Barstool Sports' Dan Rapaport has suggested two high-ranking PGA Tour execs who helped broker the framework agreement with the Saudi PIF alongside commissioner Jay Monahan have been 'frozen out' of the negotiations with LIV's financiers for months.

Jimmy Dunne was a key figure in negotiating the framework agreement. He initiated the talks by reaching out to LIV financier Yasir Al-Rumayyan via a simple WhatsApp message. Ed Herlihy was also involved in the private meetings.

Rapaport also states that Patrick Cantlay is 'calling the shots' on the PGA Tour's policy board.

That claim has already been disputed, with Rapaport posting on X: "One player on the PGA Tour policy board disputed the notion that Cantlay is in charge, and says the six player directors are acting as a united front.

"That's a very different narrative than what's circulating among other players and stakeholders in the game."

Some notable PGA Tour players have already reacted to the Rahm news.

Jason Day told Sports Illustrated: "If he does go, it's gonna be sad to not see him as much because I actually like Jon a lot. But on the other end of it, I know that the numbers that they're throwing out or what I'm hearing is generational wealth."

Justin Rose, who was one of Rahm's teammates at the 2023 Ryder Cup, also told the publication: "We're all trying to evaluate PGA Tour versus LIV in the sense of the fan base and the economics around both tours, but he's the delta. He moves the delta.

"He weakens one side and strengthens the other. So it's a big move."

—Dunne, Herlihy kept out of negotiations since June
—Cantlay largely "calling the shots"
—Part of board favors Acorn bid
—Other players working frantically to try to "save the PGA Tour"
The Jon Rahm deal is done, and the PGA Tour is in chaos right now. https://t.co/748w1QnAXZ
— Dan Rapaport (@Daniel_Rapaport) December 7, 2023