Key Takeaways:
– Jon Rahm has not had contact with Tiger Woods since his $300 million move to LIV Golf, contrasting with Rory McIlroy’s support.
– The decision came as a change of heart for Rahm following the PGA Tour’s partnership with LIV Golf.
– “Full Swing”, a Netflix show provides further behind-the-scenes insights into the PGA Tour and LIV Golf merger.
According to a report by Heavy.com, star golfer Jon Rahm’s switch from the PGA Tour to LIV Golf seems to have strained his relationship with the legendary Tiger Woods.
Woods Silent After Rahm’s PGA Departure
In a revealing interview with ESPN’s Marty Smith on February 25, 2024, Rahm disclosed that he has not heard from Woods since announcing his decision. Rahm’s departure to LIV Golf contrasts with the dynamics of his relationship with fellow golfer, Rory McIlroy. McIlroy has shown both public and private support to the Spanish golfer following his decision to leave PGA for LIV Golf.
While Woods and McIlroy have been vocal critics of LIV Golf, McIlroy’s stance towards Rahm appears quite supportive. Rahm expressed, “Rory has been supportive publicly of my decision, and he was privately as well, unlike Tiger”. Rahm had made attempts to reach out to Woods but wasn’t reciprocated.
$300 Million Contract Changes Rahm’s Stance
Despite voicing criticisms against LIV Golf much like Woods and McIlroy, Rahm found himself on the opposite side after the PGA Tour partnered with LIV Golf. As per Mark Schlabach’s report on ESPN, it emerged that Rahm’s deal with LIV Golf is worth more than &300 million.
Divulging the details in a December 7, 2023 story titled, “Jon Rahm leaves PGA Tour for LIV Golf, accepts fans’ backlash,” Schlabach highlighted that Rahm had consistently expressed his dislike for LIV Golf’s 54-hole tournaments, no cuts and shotgun starts. Consequently, Rahm’s departure came as a surprising move to several fans and golfers alike.
Rahm, a 29-year-old native of Spain, was unable to turn down a multiyear contract that exceeded &300 million. His deal also includes partial ownership of his new LIV Golf team. Rahm’s shift has sparked rumors that LIV Golf is recruiting other PGA Tour players to join his team. However, Rahm declined to name potential members.
Woods on Rahm’s Switch to LIV Golf
Addressing Rahm’s move to LIV in December 2023, Woods had expressed skepticism regarding the LIV rumors. “We assumed it was just speculation until it happened,” Woods told the Golf Channel.
The PGA Tour and LIV Golf Merger Unveils Drama
Netflix show “Full Swing” provides a deeper dive into the ongoing drama. The docu-series illustrates behind-the-scenes reactions amongst top golfers when the news of the PGA Tour-LIV Golf merger broke. The second season was released on March 6, featuring golf stars like McIlroy, Justin Thomas, Jordan Spieth, Brooks Koepka, and Rickie Fowler.
The drama surrounding Rahm’s move is a testament to the changes and the ensuing turmoil within the golfing world, which isn’t ending soon. As the narrative continues to unfold, the real implications of these shifts will become clearer.
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