Spanish golfer Jon Rahm has announced his decision to leave the PGA Tour and become one of the highest-paid golfers in the sport, becoming the latest big name to sign up to LIV Golf.
The world number three has turned his back on the, despite previously stating in 2022 that he would not join the Saudi-led breakaway tour, which was founded in 2021.
The Masters champion, speaking at a press conference on Thursday, insisted he “made the decision thinking of myself and my family”.
“As you can see now it’s official. This is me finally saying after all the rumours, some of them were true, and I am officially joining LIV Golf,” he said at a press conference, with MARCA among the outlets invited.
“It’s not an easy decision. I’ve had a very successful career and I’m happy. There are a lot of things that LIV Golf have to offer which were very enticing, starting with team golf.”
Rahm puts family first
Rahm, who refused to discuss the exact figures in his contract, has reportedly landed an eye-watering $566.4million pay package to join the likes of Dustin Johnson and Brooks Koepka in abandoning the PGA for the Saudi riches.
But the 29-year-old from Bilbao has hit back at suggestions that money is his motivation behind the decision.
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“I play golf for the love of the game and for the love of golf. I’m an ambitious person but I’m not a greedy one,” he added.
“Obviously, [money] is a factor and it’s an important one in this decision. The love of the game and wanting to grow it in a global market. Being part of the team.
“Being a captain. Hopefully being a leader to team-mates. It makes me want to work harder than I have done now to actually prove myself.
“Hopefully some time in the future some kids in Spain will want to be part of this team that I am going to build.
“Hopefully it’s something that I am related to for a very long time. Hopefully until the day I die. And I can make it something very special.”
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