Jon Rahm, the world’s number two golfer, has withdrawn from the LIV Golf season finale in Saudi Arabia due to a back injury, the series announced on Sunday.
Rahm, who joined LIV Golf in August, was one of the biggest names in the field for the season-ending event at Royal Greens Golf Club.
The 28-year-old Spaniard has struggled with back issues in recent months and had to withdraw from the DP World Tour Championship in November after just two rounds.
Rahms Abrupt Departure: Late Withdrawal Raises Questions
Rahm’s Abrupt Departure: Late Withdrawal Raises Questions
World number two Jon Rahm’s first season of LIV Golf came to an abrupt end when he withdrew just hours before his scheduled tee time at the LIV Golf Invitational Bangkok. The withdrawal has raised questions about his future with the Saudi-backed series.
Rahm had been one of the most high-profile players to join LIV Golf after signing a multi-year deal reported to be worth over 100 million pounds.
The Spaniard had played in four of the first five LIV Golf events, finishing in the top 10 on three occasions.
Rahm’s withdrawal from the LIV Golf Invitational Bangkok is the latest in a series of high-profile departures from the series. Other players to have left include Dustin Johnson, Bryson DeChambeau and Patrick Reed.
Impact on LIV Golf: Top Draw Departs, Dimming Spotlight
Top Draw Departs, Dimming Spotlight
Jon Rahm’s departure from the LIV Golf series has dealt a significant blow to the upstart tour’s prestige and allure. As one of the world’s top-ranked players, Rahm’s presence had added a layer of credibility and legitimacy to LIV Golf.
However, his withdrawal has raised concerns about the longevity and competitiveness of the series. Without marquee names like Rahm to attract attention and audience engagement, LIV Golf may struggle to maintain momentum and generate interest.
The implications of Rahm’s departure extend beyond LIV Golf itself. The ongoing battle between the established PGA Tour and the upstart LIV Golf series has created uncertainty in the professional golf landscape. Rahm’s exit may further destabilize the industry as players weigh their options and make decisions about their future.
Moreover, Rahm’s withdrawal sends a clear message that the allure of LIV Golf may not be as strong as initially believed. Players may be reconsidering their involvement in the series as the PGA Tour, with its established history and traditions, remains the most prestigious and lucrative circuit in professional golf.
Speculation and Rumors: Reasons Behind Rahms Departure
Speculation and Rumors: Reasons Behind Rahm’s Departure
Rahm’s withdrawal from the LIV Golf Team Championship and his subsequent season-ending announcement have ignited discussions within the golfing world. Speculation is rife about the potential reasons behind the Spaniard’s departure from the Saudi-backed circuit. Here are some of the most common theories:
Lack of Competition: Some suggest that Rahm was frustrated by the lack of competitive depth in the LIV Golf events. The absence of top-ranked players such as Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy may have diminished the level of competition, making it less appealing to Rahm.
Reputation Concerns: Rahm has been vocal about his concerns regarding LIV Golf’s human rights record. His decision to leave may have been motivated by ethical considerations, as he felt uncomfortable being associated with a league perceived as “sportswashing.”
Financial Incentives: While LIV Golf offers lucrative financial rewards, rumors suggest that Rahm was dissatisfied with the terms of his contract and felt he was not earning what his market value dictated. This could have contributed to his decision to explore other opportunities.
Family and Personal Reasons: It’s also possible that Rahm’s decision was driven by personal factors unrelated to golf. His wife, Kelley, is pregnant with their second child, and he may have prioritized spending more time with his family over continuing with LIV Golf.
Future Prospects: Where Will Rahm Play Next?
With the conclusion of his first LIV Golf season, speculation is rife about Jon Rahm’s future destination. The Spaniard, who has been a vocal critic of the Saudi-backed circuit, has yet to announce his plans for 2023 and beyond.
Rahm’s options are likely to include a return to the PGA Tour, where he is a multiple major champion. However, he could also opt to remain with LIV Golf, which is widely believed to offer significantly higher financial rewards. Additionally, he may consider joining a new breakaway tour, such as the proposed MENA Tour, which is rumored to be backed by Saudi Arabia and Morocco.
PGA Tour
A return to the PGA Tour would be a natural move for Rahm, who has been one of its most successful players in recent years. He has won five PGA Tour events since 2020, including the 2021 U.S. Open. The PGA Tour offers a strong schedule of events, a large fan base, and a well-established history. However, the tour has recently been rocked by the LIV Golf controversy, which has led to the suspension of several top players.
LIV Golf
LIV Golf has emerged as a potential destination for Rahm, due to its lucrative financial offerings. The circuit is backed by the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia, which has deep pockets. LIV Golf events offer large prize purses, and players are also paid appearance fees. However, the circuit has been criticized for its lack of history and its association with Saudi Arabia’s human rights record.
New Breakaway Tour
A third option for Rahm is to join a new breakaway tour, such as the proposed MENA Tour. This tour is rumored to be backed by Saudi Arabia and Morocco, and it could offer a combination of financial rewards and a strong schedule of events. However, the MENA Tour is still in its planning stages, and it is unclear whether it will be able to attract the top players in the world.
Conclusion
Jon Rahm’s future destination is still unknown, but he has several options to choose from. A return to the PGA Tour would be a natural move, but LIV Golf and a new breakaway tour could also be appealing. The final decision will likely hinge on a combination of financial, sporting, and personal factors.
With the conclusion of the LIV Golf season, Jon Rahm’s first and likely final campaign with the controversial league has come to a disappointing end. The former world number one withdrew from the season-ending Team Championship having failed to recover from a back injury. Rahm’s participation in LIV Golf had been met with mixed reactions, but his departure will undoubtedly remove one of the biggest names from the league’s roster.
