Jon Rahm plans a meeting with all LIV Golf players, wants changes on the Saudi-backed circuit
Jon Rahm plans to hold a meeting with fellow LIV golfers to discuss the venues for the Saudi Circuit's upcoming edition. Rahm joined the breakaway tour last year after signing a contract reportedly worth around $450 million. He has performed fairly well on the circuit, consistently finishing in the top 10 and securing the second spot in LIV Golf's season standings. However, the Spanish golfer has struggled in Majors in 2024.
After winning the Masters last year before joining LIV Golf, his 2024 performances in Majors have been underwhelming. Rahm missed the cut at the PGA Championship and tied for 45th at the Masters. Despite this, he managed a decent finish at The Open Championship.
Following The Open, Rahm admitted in an interview with "Golf Digest" that he wishes to include links golf on the Saudi Circuit to better prepare players for the final Major of the year. He believes playing on links courses helps players improve their game before the Major. He said:
“I would hope so; I'm pushing for it. There's so much that goes into adjusting to links golf; getting used to the greens and the ball reacting on the ground. I didn’t think about it until after [Troon], but it's undeniable how much it helps to play a links golf course the week before the Open.”
Notably, prior to The Open Championship, the LIV golfers competed at the Andalucía event in Spain and then traveled to Scotland for The Open.
Rahm acknowledged that including links golf in 2025 won't be easy, as LIV officials have already held discussions with venue officials and planned out their schedule. However, he wants to talk with fellow players about the idea. Rahm added:
"Obviously, LIV management have contracts in place with some venues and plans in the future. It's not as easy as it sounds to just say, ‘Well, let's do this.’ [But] it'd be something I would like to talk to other players [on LIV] about because that way, there’s strength in numbers if five, six or 10 solid players [all agree]. I think a lot of people might agree with it.”
Meanwhile, Jon Rahm is gearing up for this week's LIV Golf UK event. The tournament will start on Friday, July 26, at the JCB Golf & Country Club.
Jon Rahm prepares to compete at the Paris Olympics 2024
Jon Rahm will represent his country at the upcoming Olympics next month. After this week's LIV Golf UK event, the former Masters winner will prepare for the prestigious Summer Games.
During a press conference at the LIV Golf UK event, Rahm opened up about playing at the Olympics and admitted that it's a "dream come true." He expressed his hope of winning a gold medal for his country, as that's "something that very few people in history can do."
Speaking of the Olympics, Rahm said (via ASAP Sports):
"It's a different answer I'd say for a lot of golfers because it's not something we grew up knowing as a possibility. So to be a part of it, I think right now for a lot of people, it may not have the significance it will have in the future. But I think for all of us competing, it's arguably Walker Cup of the most impressive feats in sports, to own a gold medal and earn a gold medal is something that very few people in history can do."
"To be able to add to your country's medal count is something special. Yeah, it's basically a dream come true. It's a dream that became a possibility only eight years ago for most of us, so it's quite special," he added.
Jon Rahm is this week's favorite to win in the UK. He is seeking his maiden win on the Saudi Circuit.