Jay Monahan did not seem to be interested in discussing Jon Rahm’s move away from the PGA Tour as well as refusing to play down the idea that more players could seen follow in a move to LIV Golf.
It appears that the PGA Tour is cognizant of the possibility of losing additional top golfers to LIV Golf following Jon Rahm’s £450 million transfer.
The recent winner of the 2023 Masters surprised many by joining LIV Golf in December, despite previously expressing his desire to remain on the PGA Tour. Despite his initial stance, LIV Golf persisted in offering Rahm more lucrative deals until he ultimately agreed to a substantial contract – prompting the organization to actively pursue other PGA Tour players to follow suit.
Jay Monahan, the PGA Commissioner, emphasized his focus on things within his control when asked about Rahm leaving the PGA Tour and the possibility of other players joining LIV. When pressed further, he simply replied, “I just addressed that question.”
Rahm’s decision to stick with the PGA Tour was a significant one, considering the possibility that Rory McIlroy might join LIV, despite his previous strong opposition to the Saudi-backed league.
However, in the past few weeks, McIlroy has shown a change in his perspective, distancing himself from off-course politics by stepping down from the PGA Tour’s Policy Board.
In February, McIlroy expressed his belief that individuals who had joined LIV Golf should be allowed to return to the PGA Tour without facing any consequences. This statement caused some speculation about the Northern Irishman’s future, as he openly criticized the PGA.
Following his transition to LIV Golf, Rahm acknowledged that financial considerations influenced his choice to depart from the PGA Tour, serving as a cautionary tale for fellow players contemplating a similar move.
During a sit-down interview with ESPN, Rahm expressed his perspective on the matter, emphasizing the significant shift in golfers’ compensation. He acknowledged that this aspect played a substantial role in his decision. In essence, he highlighted the fact that he now receives higher remuneration for participating in the same sport while also enjoying increased leisure time. Personally, Rahm finds this arrangement appealing, although he cannot speak for everyone’s opinion on the matter.
Less than two years after stating he would not depart from the PGA Tour, he made the following declaration: “I am affirming my loyalty to the PGA Tour. I am a PAC member, and I have great confidence in Jay Monahan and the future direction of the organization. Despite the discussions and rumors surrounding the Saudi League, I personally do not see it as the optimal choice for my career in golf. I believe that my greatest legacy will be achieved through my association with the PGA Tour.”
Monahan maintains his optimism that the PGA Tour’s leading golfers will stay committed to the tour, despite ongoing discussions about a potential merger with LIV.
Leave a Reply