The highly-anticipated decision for Jon Rahm to join LIV has made him $500 million richer. Although this move is controversial, not all the pros blame him – including the world’s No. 2-ranked golfer.
“It’s hard to sit here and criticize Jon because of what a great player he is and the experiences I’ve had with him. All I would say is that I’ll be disappointed to not play against him more regularly in the future,” McIlroy told SkySportsNews’ Jamie Weir.
Rory McIlroy’s thoughts on Jon Rahm signing up to LIV pic.twitter.com/RsfkbFs7Mp
— Jamie Weir (@jamiecweir) December 8, 2023
McIlroy, who had been outspoken about PGA Tour pros leaving to head to the Saudi-backed league, said he understood why Rahm did it.
He will earn over six times the amount that he earned across his PGA career. In eight years alone, he totaled $77 million in earnings.
“I am going to miss competing against him week-in-week-out,” he added. “He is such a good player. He’s got so much talent. He is so tenacious, and a great teammate at the Ryder Cup. I have nothing but good things to say about Jon. I respect the hell out of him as a golfer.
“He seems like he wants to live his life the right way. He wants to be a good dad; he wants to be a good husband. You can’t judge someone for making a decision that they feel is the best thing for them.”
About Jessica Kleinschmidt
Jess is a baseball fan with Reno, Nev. roots residing in the Bay Area. She is the host of "Short and to the Point" and is also a broadcaster with the Oakland A's Radio Network. She previously worked for MLB.com and NBC Sports Bay Area.