WASHINGTON – Reigning Masters champion Jon Rahm says he is comfortable with his jump to Saudi-backed LIV Golf but noted on March 19 it is hard to miss so many PGA Tour events he enjoyed.
Preparing for the April 11 start of the Masters at Augusta National, the 29-year-old Spaniard talked about the consequences of his decision in December to leave the PGA Tour and watching on television as others won titles he took last season.
“For everybody who said this would be easy, some things have been, but not being able to defend some titles that mean a lot to me hasn’t,” Rahm said.
In 2023, he won the PGA Tournament of Champions in Hawaii, the American Express at Palm Springs and the Genesis Invitational at Riviera, before capturing the famed Green Jacket for his second Major title.
But he is now banned from PGA Tour events after joining LIV.
“I love Palm Springs. I’ve been able to win twice there. Riviera is about as charismatic of a golf course as we have. Not being there was difficult,” Rahm added.
“I still watch golf because I love watching it. But it’s hard. It was hard not to be at the Phoenix Open at the end of February and it was hard not to be at Hawaii.”
He is, however, looking forward to returning to Augusta to face a field of the world’s best from both tours. Rahm will try to become only the fourth player to retain a Masters title and the first since Tiger Woods did so in 2001-02.
“It’s done (the move to LIV). It’s past. It’s a decision I made and I’m comfortable with it.” Rahm said. “I’m definitely looking forward to joining with the rest of the best golfers in the world and teeing it up at the Masters with them.”
Merger talks between the PGA Tour and Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, LIV’s backers, continued on March 18 and Rahm hopes for a reunification so the world’s best golfers can meet more often and not just at Majors. He said: “I think there’s room for all of us.”
For now though, there is room certainly for food. He plans to treat his fellow Masters champions to a taste of home – Spain – as he unveiled the Champions Dinner menu with the meal set for April 9 at the Augusta National clubhouse.
Teeing off with tapas is a great way to start, and the hits keep coming with a Basque-themed spread.
Rahm is from the Basque region and offers up a selection of food – including “Mama Rahm’s classic lentil stew” inspired by his grandmother and restaurateur/chef Jose Andres.
Among the treats also on the menu – Basque chorizo sausage, a Spanish omelette and Iberian ham. AFP, REUTERS
