AUGUSTA, GA. When Jon Rahm claimed his second major in winning the 2023 Masters the sky seemed the limit for the talented Spaniard.
In December of that year, the 11-time PGA Tour winner then bolted to join LIV Golf.
Since world ranking points are not given to players competing with LIV Golf the 30-year-old has fallen to 80th. Clearly, Rahm is not deserving of that low a ranking but those who left the PGA Tour knew the possibility in not having world ranking points being awarded for their play with LIV Golf.
Rahm’s play through 36-holes of the 89th Masters has only produced three birdies. And the lone one during the second round came via a bunker shot made from greenside at the 7th. The Friday round was free of any scores higher than par but the inability to mount any serious push closer to the main contenders was also apparent. He enters the weekend with a 36-hole score of 146 that barely made the cut and is now 10 shots behind leader Justin Rose.
There has been speculation Rahm has not been enamored with LIV Golf and would like to see a settlement with the PGA Tour. The talks have dragged and it seems likely nothing will happen unless one side — mainly LIV — takes a more backseat financial position.
A variety of former players — including three-time Masters winner Nick Faldo most notably- have stated that involvement with LIV Golf has not helped the competitive edge for those players.
Among LIV players — only Brooks Koepka (2023 PGA Championship) and Bryson DeChambeau (2024 U.S. Open) have won majors since leaving the PGA Tour.
Rahm won twice in 2024 in LIV events. And his major championship record since going to the new league has been decent – three top ten finishes out of six events played but not being in main contention for a third major title.
More than anything else, Rahm is well aware the time clock in golf relevance is not going to stop for him or any other player. Reaching the age of 30 has not placed a higher emphasis in not waiting for others to decide how his future plays out.
The lure of LIV Golf was clearly a financial decision with reports indicating a multi-year contract worth over $300 million, including a $300 million signing bonus. In his first season, he earned $22 million in prize money and a $18 million bonus, according to Yahoo Sports. His 2024 earnings are estimated to be around $34 million, including prize money from LIV and other tournaments, reports Sportico.com.
But Rahm has always been interested in more than just financial security. His interest has always been about winning events – the majors most notably. Rahm bought into what LIV Golf promised — now there is buyer’s remorse.
There are two rounds to go with this year’s Masters and Rahm may finish strong but the probability of securing a second green jacket is next to zero.
The thought of Rahm being a bystander is sure to raise his Spanish blood pressure.
How long will Rahm stay with LIV Golf is uncertain given the boat load of money he received.
When you makes a deal with the devil you think you have gotten the upper hand and then realize you’ve been taken for a ride.
Rahm relishes the competitive tussle and he knows LIV Golf will only be a sideshow to the main event.
Desperation has not set in — yet. But Jon Rahm wants a legacy in golf that includes his name mentioned alongside such Spanish heavyweights as Seve Ballesteros and José María Olazábal.
Will Rahm hang around indefinitely until last rites are given to LIV Golf?
Hard to imagine that.
I can think of two Spanish words that will come quickly to the lips of Rahm —
Adios amigo!
