Jon Rahm to stay away from public events after joining LIV Golf

BILBAO – Masters champion Jon Rahm said on Dec 13 that he had decided to avoid public events until February, after agreeing to

jump from the PGA Tour to LIV Golf

in a big-money move that made headlines across the globe.

In his first appearance after signing with the circuit funded by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF), the 29-year-old was surprised to find TV cameras at an event he was attending in the Spanish city of Bilbao.

“I didn’t think there would be any cameras and that it would be a bit more intimate,” the Spaniard, who appeared to be outnumbered by media professionals, told a select audience at the Sociedad Bilbaina hall.

Rahm was there to receive the “Dama Bilbaina 2023” prize awarded by the private club in his native Basque Country, in recognition of his sporting career.

“I am under very strict instructions not to do public events, which I have imposed on myself a little bit, and for the change I have given to the world of golf in the last week,” he said, when asked if he planned to give an interview.

“There will be nothing until February, I’m not allowed to.”

One of golf's most popular and charismatic figures, Rahm became the biggest name to sign on with LIV Golf since Australian Cameron Smith joined after winning the 2022 British Open.

Media reports said the world No. 3 will be paid at least US$300 million (S$399 million), with some outlets putting the guaranteed figure at closer to US$600 million.

His departure will be seen as another massive blow to the PGA Tour, but he described himself as a “normal person”.

“I don’t consider that what I do is much different, and that I am more or less important than the rest,” Rahm said.

LIV Golf chief executive Greg Norman said that the acquisition of Rahm will create a “domino effect” of more high-profile players making the lucrative jump.

The circuit had already recruited Major winners Brooks Koepka, Phil Mickelson, Dustin Johnson and Smith.

“To have Jon on board is critically important to our next steps into the future and what we want to do,” Norman said.

“It will create a domino effect, there will be more apples falling from the tree, there’s no question about it because LIV continues to grow and develop.”

LIV Golf begins its third season at Mayakoba in Mexico from Feb 2 to 4.

Defending individual champion Talor Gooch, meanwhile, has said that “discussions will be had” about expanding the LIV Golf format from 54 to 72 holes.

Rahm had, for one, previously criticised the league’s 54-hole, no-cut events with shotgun starts.

“We haven’t had an open forum discussion with all the players,” Gooch said. “But you get both sides... guys who would welcome (playing 72 holes) and some guys who are opposed to it. It will be interesting to see what comes of it.

“I think LIV Golf was meant to be something different. I think it’s not supposed to be a carbon copy of the rest of professional golf. I lean towards keeping it at 54 holes.”

Playing only 54 holes was one of the reasons why LIV Golf’s application to receive Official World Golf Ranking points was denied in October. REUTERS, AFP