Greg Norman responds to Jon Rahm wanting to “give his money back” to LIV Golf and leave: “I just truly don’t get it”
Greg Norman has refuted claims made in a Golf Digest article about Jon Rahm, which included statements from an anonymous source. The source alleged that the Spaniard would "regret" going to LIV Golf, a claim Norman strongly denied.
During the televised coverage of the LIV Golf Greenbrier this weekend (August 16–18), Norman assured viewers that it was "just not true."
This is part of what Greg Norman said (via Golf Magic):
"I read an article yesterday about how Jon is so unhappy here [LIV Golf] and that he wants to give back his money. It's just not true. You speak to Jon's general manager, it's like laughable. I just truly don't get it. I truly don't get the divide."
He added:
"The division is still there when we are actually showing how we do work within the ecosystem and how the ecosystem is accepting us and how the people are speaking out there."
"I just don't understand why it is this way. It tells you there is some deep seeded something there, but we are going to keep ploughing through it and stay true to ourselves."
Rahm, 29, joined LIV Golf in December 2023 with a reported signing bonus of $600 million. He also received ownership and captaincy of his own team, Legion XIII.
The Golf Digest article that Greg Norman responded to quoted an anonymous source who was described as a "veteran Tour insider." According to this source, Rahm would be willing to return the money he received from LIV Golf and leave the circuit if given the opportunity.
Jon Rahm on Golf Digest article: "That's why I can't stop smiling out here"
According to Pro Golf Critic, Jon Rahm himself addressed the matter during his time at The Greenbrier.
Here's what the Spaniard had to say, according to Pro Golf Critic:
"Yea thats why I can’t stop smiling out here. They just make sh*t up. Couldn’t be further from the truth."
Rahm is playing in his 12th LIV Golf event at the Greenbrier. In 11 previous appearances, he has one win (London) and nine other top 10s. He made a start in Houston but was forced to withdraw due to injury.
He is in second place in the individual standings with 165.17 points. He currently trails leader Joaquin Niemann by 24.23 points.
His team, Legion XIII, has also had a great season, with four wins so far. The team is also in second place in the season standings with 160 points, 15.50 points behind the Bryson DeChambeau-led Crushers GC.
Rahm is currently tied for third place at the LIV Golf Greenbrier with one round to play. The Spaniard is at 10 under through 15 holes, two strokes behind interim leader Cameron Smith.