Lee Westwood fires brutal response to reporter after Jon Rahm legacy claim at PGA Championship

Lee Westwood has launched a furious defence of Jon Rahm during the PGA Championship after a reporter questioned the Spaniard’s legacy amid LIV Golf’s ongoing uncertainty.

Westwood, 53, fired back at Golf Digest senior writer Joel Beall on X after the journalist published a critical piece suggesting Rahm, 31, needed a strong performance at Aronimink to “earn back” his reputation following his move to LIV Golf in 2024. 

“What a judgmental prick you are,” Westwood wrote.

The exchange quickly escalated into a public spat as Beall doubled down on his stance, writing: “I don’t think it’s a coincidence that once LIV’s demise came into focus, Jon Rahm finally starts playing well at a major.”

Westwood responded again with another sharp dig: “You could have just stopped at ‘I don’t think…’”

Westwood’s defence of Rahm comes as little surprise given the close relationship between the two players. They are former Ryder Cup teammates, fellow LIV Golf members and have become key figures within the circuit during a turbulent period for the league.

Beall's article on Rahm came two weeks after the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF) confirmed it will no longer fund the league past this season. 

LIV Golf is now in the process of trying to find a new financial provider in order for the league to continue into next season and beyond. 

Rahm heads into Sunday’s final round of the PGA Championship just two shots off the lead as he bids for a third career major title and a first Wanamaker Trophy.

A win would also move the Spaniard one step closer to completing the career Grand Slam. 

Rahm already owns wins at The Masters in 2023 and the U.S. Open in 2021, meaning The Open would be the only remaining major missing from his collection should he go on to win the PGA Championship on Sunday. 

Rahm has endured increased scrutiny since joining LIV Golf at the end of 2023, particularly after a disappointing run in the majors throughout 2024 and 2025.

In 2024, Rahm tied for 45th at The Masters, missed the cut at the PGA Championship, withdrew from the U.S. Open through injury and finished seventh at The Open. 

His 2025 major campaign was steadier without seriously contending, posting finishes of tied 14th at Augusta, tied 34th at the PGA Championship, tied 17th at the U.S. Open and tied 34th at The Open.

However, the Spaniard arrived at Aronimink this week showing signs of a return to his best form. 

Rahm has already claimed individual LIV Golf titles in Hong Kong and Mexico City this season, alongside runner-up finishes in Riyadh, Adelaide and South Africa.

Ahead of tonight's final round of the PGA Championship, he ranks second in the field in strokes gained tee-to-green. 

Outside of the major spotlight, Rahm recently boosted his hopes of featuring in the 2027 Ryder Cup after reaching an agreement with the DP World Tour over outstanding fines linked to his LIV Golf move.

“There were some concessions on both the sides,” Rahm said after confirming he would commit to playing five DP World Tour events in 2026.

For European players such as Rahm and Westwood, Ryder Cup legacy arguably carries greater weight than the ongoing debate surrounding LIV Golf’s place in the professional game.

Rahm, though, insisted his focus remains solely on trying to win another major.

“In a week like this, I’m thinking more about myself,” Rahm said on Saturday. 

“I’m not going to take anything outside of what I can control when it comes to competing tomorrow.”