“Money weighed”: Jon Rahm puts the PGA in check after signing with Niemann and Mito LIV Golf for a historic contract worth $550 million

Jordan Spieth anticipated it this week: “Jon Rahm is one of the greatest assets we have on the PGA Tour, his departure would not be very good for us.” Statement with overtones of concern, which in less than 48 hours became a reality. The Spaniard, second on the planet and recent winner of the Masters, leaves the North American tour and signs with LIV in exchange for 550 million dollars.

They will wait for you there Mito Pereira, Joaquín Niemann, Phil Mickelson, Brooks Koepka, Cameron Smith and Dustin Johnson , among others. Important names in the world of golf, but today they are far from having the effect of the Basque, both in the market and in the game. Rahm leaves the PGA in one of the best moments of his career, in as the reigning Augusta Masters champion and at just 29 years old. A stellar face that captivates covers and wins trophies. A machine to generate interest, which is now on the Arab side.

This is why its change constitutes a strong pressure for the North American circuit which, although having signed peace with the LIV a few months ago, is still immersed in negotiations with those of the Middle East to see which path will take up golf in 2024. Will LIV players be able to participate in the PGA? Will the modern circuit earn points? Will there be tournaments in Arab countries? These are some of the questions that are on the table and which must now be taken into consideration by the Spanish. There is no doubt that losing the Barrika-born player in 2024 will be more difficult for the PGA than being without Lefty in 2022.

How did they manage to convince him? Flexibility in your schedule, your role in your new home, and your money is a no-brainer. In fact, the Spaniard’s contract will be worth around $550 million for the next five years. One of the biggest deals in history could make Rahm, adding sponsorships and prize money, the highest-paid athlete on the planet.

The rumor had exploded in recent weeks and it was ultimately the European who told the truth. During an appearance on FOX News, and wearing a jacket with the league logo, he dropped the bomb: “I have officially joined LIV Golf “, he commented.

A few minutes later, an exclusive interview he conducted with Marca appeared, in which he explained his decision to change circuits in more detail. “I’m not going to lie and say money isn’t one of the reasons I’m joining LIV . When I found out the amount, I thought about it. Well, let’s talk about it. But I like the way LIV has progressed in golf over the last two years. The main reason was the feeling of being able to belong to a team,” he commented.

Likewise, he expressed his optimism for the years to come, where he will be present in all majors thanks to his results in recent seasons. “ANDI understand that there are people who are not very happy, but my work ethic does not change . I want to keep chasing things and always feel like I’m creating history. And my goal is to continue chasing records. Fortunately, I will almost be able to play the Masters for life, the US Open until 2031 and the other two for at least five more years,” he said.