Jon Rahm in advanced stage talks to join LIV Golf, but he wants league to modify its format: Reports
Jon Rahm has been linked to LIV Golf since the league’s inception, but the golfer hasn't yet admitted to making the move. Now, rumors suggest that the golfer could be on his way to the Saudi-backed series and that the hold-up is due to the league's current format.
According to Flushing It Golf, Rahm is in late-stage talks to join LIV Golf. The Masters champion is reportedly pushing to modify the format of the league.
While it is unclear what changes he is pushing for, the report claims that any modification to the series would need the approval of present LIV team captains and the officials. As per the report, the hold-up for the Spaniard to join the Greg Norman-led series is not financial.
Flushing It Golf wrote on X (formerly known as Twitter) on Wednesday:
"Jon Rahm is in late stage talks to join LIV Golf and it’s believed the hold up is not financial, but is due to him wishing to modify the format of the league. Any changes would need the approval of all team captains as well as the league themselves. This is making negotiations difficult, but they are intensifying."
Jon Rahm has won four events this year playing on the PGA Tour, including the Masters. The 29-year-old moving to LIV would be a big loss for the American circuit.
It is also pertinent to note that Rahm has, in the past, lauded compatriot Sergio Garcia, who plays for an all-Spanish squad at LIV Golf alongside Eugenio Chacarra and David Puig. Fans have often claimed that Rahm would be the perfect Spaniard to complete the Fireballs GC squad.
Jon Rahm refutes reports of joining the PGA Tour Policy Board
The rumors of Rahm moving to LIV Golf started gaining pace last month, when he refuted the possibility of joining the PGA Tour Policy Board. The Masters champion revealed that there was “no chance” of him taking on the role left vacant by Rory McIlroy's resignation.
Coming off the back of the Ryder Cup win, Rahm said he wasn’t ready for the meetings held by the PGA Tour. Replying to the query about joining the board, Jon Rahm said, as quoted by Golf Digest:
“Oh, you won't see me there. Absolutely no chance. I've been asked a couple times if I have any interest. But I'm not going to spend … I don't know how many meetings they have, but they are six, seven, hours long. I'm not here for that.”
The vacant position on the circuit’s policy board has since been taken up by Jordan Spieth.
Rahm’s strong denial of interest in leading the PGA Tour led fans to question his loyalty. The golfer’s earlier comments on the uncertain situation of the PIF merger added further fuel to the fire.