'I Am Under Very Strict Instructions Not To Do Public Events' - Jon Rahm On Media Blackout Until LIV Golf Starts

Jon Rahm says he has decided to lay low for a while after making his huge move to LIV Golf, saying he will not do any interviews until the league starts in February.

The Spaniard says he's under "very strict instructions not to do public events" until the 2024 LIV Golf League starts in February, but then added that it was a self-imposed media blackout.

LIV CEO Greg Norman's son, Greg Norman Jr, confirmed his lack of media is not to do with LIV Golf.

"No one at LIV told John to be silent," Greg Norman jr posted on X. "It was taken completely out of context due to translation. This is self-imposed by Jon Rahm to spend time with family over the holidays. It's his personal choice!"

The 29-year-old was receiving an award in Bilbao, Spain, when he said he was surprised at the amount of media who showed up for his first public engagement since signing what's being reported as a deal worth up to $500m. 

Having the Masters champion signing up to Greg Norman's Saudi-backed venture sent shockwaves through the golfing world, and now Rahm wants the dust to settle a bit before doing further interviews.

"I didn't think there would be any cameras and that it would be a bit more intimate," Rahm said at the Sociedad Bilbaina hall, as reported by Reuters.

"I am under very strict instructions not to do public events, which I have imposed on myself a little bit for myself, and for the change I have given to the world of golf in the last week."

One man very much not on a media blackout is LIV Golf boss Norman, who says that signing Rahm will create a "domino effect" as his phone has been "blowing up" with PGA Tour players wanting to join.

The two-time Major champion was at the reception to receive the 'Dama Bilbaina 2023' award in his native Basque Country for his achievements in golf so far.

And after rocking the golf world with his move, Rahm said he wouldn't be doing any further media until the start of LIV Golf. 

"There will be nothing until February," Rahm insisted. "I'm not allowed to."

Despite getting media coverage from news as well as sports journalists after his big move, Rahm described himself as just a "normal person" at his award presentation.

"I don't consider that what I do is much different, and that I am more or less important than the rest," Rahm added.

"The only thing is that I'm seen on TV right now and that's it... hopefully a little less so in the future."