‘Without LIV Golf, This Wouldn't Have Happened’ – Jon Rahm On PGA Tour Changes
The Spaniard has admitted that the limited-field, no-cut events coming to the PGA Tour are a reaction to the LIV Golf threat
World No.1 Jon Rahm will likely have a big impact on the upcoming limited-field, no-cut events coming to the PGA Tour.
The Designated Event Model will ensure some of next year’s tournaments feature between 70 and 80 players and without the traditional 36-hole cut. The changes come in the midst of a battle for supremacy at the top of the game thanks to the emergence of LIV Golf, and Rahm has admitted that without the rival circuit, the changes wouldn’t have happened.
The Spaniard, who is preparing for this week’s Players Championship at TPC Sawgrass, was asked the reason the PGA Tour was implementing the changes and his response was unequivocal. He said: “Oh, it's LIV Golf. I mean, without a doubt. Without LIV Golf, this wouldn't have happened. So to an extent, like I've said before, we should be thankful this threat has made the PGA Tour want to change things.”
Rahm’s comments bear similarities with ones he made last November before the Hero World Challenge. Back then, on the subject of increased purses in the PGA Tour’s designated events, he said: “I mean, I think on this side of things we should be thankful that LIV happened. I don't know if those changes would have happened if LIV wasn't in the picture. So to an extent, yeah, we should be thankful.”
Despite Rahm welcoming the latest move, he suggested the PGA Tour ought to have made changes regardless of the impact of LIV Golf. He said: “I wish it didn't come to the PGA Tour being, you know, under fire from somebody else to make those changes and make things better for the players, but I guess it is what we needed. So, yeah, it is because of LIV Golf, otherwise we wouldn't have seen any of this.”
There are fears among some players that door could close on the possibility of all but the top players qualifying for the events, but Rahm said he sees their introduction as a positive step for the Tour. He said: “I can see the logic in what they are disapproving of, but I think in the long run once you take a step back and you realize it truly is the best for everybody, it's the best product for the PGA Tour, I think they will understand."
Rahm’s thoughts on the influence of LIV Golf echo Rory McIlroy’s. In the build-up to this week’s tournament, the World No.3 said: “LIV coming along, it's definitely had a massive impact on the game, but I think everyone who's a professional golfer is going to benefit from it going forward.”
Get the top Black Friday deals right in your inbox: Sign up now!
The hottest deals and product recommendations during deals season straight to your inbox plus all the best game-changing tips, in-depth features and the latest news and insights around the game.
Rahm and McIlroy, along with World No.2 Scottie Scheffler, have been grouped together for the opening two rounds of this year’s tournament, which has a record purse of $25m.
Mike has over 25 years of experience in journalism, including writing on a range of sports throughout that time, such as golf, football and cricket. Now a freelance staff writer for Golf Monthly, he is dedicated to covering the game's most newsworthy stories.
He has written hundreds of articles on the game, from features offering insights into how members of the public can play some of the world's most revered courses, to breaking news stories affecting everything from the PGA Tour and LIV Golf to developmental Tours and the amateur game.
Mike grew up in East Yorkshire and began his career in journalism in 1997. He then moved to London in 2003 as his career flourished, and nowadays resides in New Brunswick, Canada, where he and his wife raise their young family less than a mile from his local course.
Kevin Cook’s acclaimed 2007 biography, Tommy’s Honour, about golf’s founding father and son, remains one of his all-time favourite sports books.
-
DP World Tour Rookie Hit WIth Slow Play Penalty On First Pro Start
Jacob Skov Olesen was handed a one-shot penalty for slow play at the Australian PGA Championship in what was his very first start as a professional
By Paul Higham Published
-
Nelly Korda Claims LPGA Awards Double After Seven-Win Season
Nelly Korda was handed the two top prizes at the LPGA Awards after a seven-win season including her second Major
By Paul Higham Published
-
Scheffler Vs Schauffele Vs McIlroy: How The Stats Compare
Rory McIlroy said Scottie Scheffler and Xander Schauffele have ‘separated themselves’ so we looked at the stats…
By Paul Higham Published
-
Jon Rahm To Miss DP World Tour Championship
The Spaniard is missing this week's DP World Tour Championship, which he has won on three occasions
By Elliott Heath Published
-
The 4 LIV Golfers Currently Qualified For The DP World Tour Championship
Jon Rahm is one of four LIV Golf players in with a chance of qualifying for the DP World Tour Championship
By Paul Higham Published
-
Jon Rahm And Ludvig Aberg Among Big Names Missing Abu Dhabi Championship As Rory McIlroy Headlines Field
The entry list for the first DP World Tour Play-Offs event is in, with the top 70 teeing it up at Yas Links next week
By Elliott Heath Published
-
PGA Tour Pair Clear Favorites As Early Odds Released For 'The Showdown'
Rory McIlroy and Scottie Scheffler have been strongly tipped to triumph in their exhibition match against LIV golfers Brooks Koepka and Bryson DeChambeau
By Jonny Leighfield Published
-
The Showdown: Date And Course Set For Las Vegas TV Match Featuring McIlroy, Scheffler, DeChambeau And Koepka
More details on the venue and date for the made-for-TV contest featuring Rory McIlroy, Scottie Scheffler, Bryson DeChambeau and Brooks Koepka have been released
By Mike Hall Last updated
-
Scottie Scheffler Has His Say On Rory McIlroy's Season Of Near Misses
Scottie Scheffler had some calm words of comfort for Rory McIlroy after his string of near misses this season
By Paul Higham Published
-
After Dramatic Build-up, Relieved Jon Rahm Ready For Record Open De Espana Bid
It was a rollercoaster ride for Jon Rahm but he did finally make it into the Open de Espana field as he looks to win a record fourth title
By Paul Higham Published