Among the many PGA Tour golfers who have expressed their strong opinions about the Saudi-backed LIV Golf series, Jon Rahm has made it pretty clear where he stands.
“I do see the appeal that everybody sees towards LIV Golf,” said Rahm in June. “I see some of the points and arguments that you can make on why they are preferred. To be honest, part of the format is not appealing to me. Shotgun, three days, to me is not a golf tournament- no cut. It’s just that simple. I want to play against the best in the world and a format that’s been going on for hundreds of years. That’s what I want to see.”
A lot has happened in the golf world since then and many of his peers have left for LIV Golf. But as Rahm prepares for the FedEx Cup Playoff, he’s remained focused on the task at hand and doesn’t not sound like he’s given the upstart rival league, and their legal battles, much thought or concern.
“Well, I can tell you I had zero attention on it. I only found out that it was going on because I walked by player dining and I saw about ten really nervous people pacing all around the room and I thought, ‘Well, there’s something going on,’” Rahm said, per GolfWeek. “I asked and heard what was going on. But I never really — I was in the room when the judge made her decision known, but only because I was walking by and they told me it was time. So I was like, ‘Yeah, I’ll stay.’”
As for the complaints that LIV Golf players have made about being unable to take part in certain events or climb the rankings, Rahm has little sympathy.
“They chose to leave the PGA Tour, they chose to go join another tour knowing the consequences; and then try to come back and get, you know, courts and justice in the way wouldn’t have, I would say, sit extremely well with me.”
Rahm also reiterred his earlier point, that the level of competition on the PGA Tour remains unbeatable.
“One of the great things about the PGA Tour is the depth of field,” said Rahm. “So there’s always a hungrier future star coming that’s willing to put in the work and make themselves known. Lack of talent on the PGA Tour and the world of golf is not an issue.”
[GolfWeek]
