Amid Celebrations, Jon Rahm Still Considers the LIV Jump a ‘Big Risk’ That Might Jeopardize His Everlasting Dream

Confirming the recent speculations, Jon Rahm made a career switch to LIV Golf just hours ago. Many believe it’s a precarious move for the 29-year-old golfer, who still has a good 20 years of fuel left in him. Rahm doesn’t entirely disagree. There are some huge risks that he weighed in on during the one or so months since he surprisingly withdrew from the TGL.

Last year, the PGA Tour and the DP World Tour outright banned everyone who defected to the breakaway league. Moreover, the European Tour has imposed fines running to millions, which prompted many veterans such as Lee Westwood, Ian Poulter, and Sergio Garcia to retrace their steps from their home circuit. However, the ‘money’ doesn’t concern the Spaniard. What matters to him is the implication of that ban, should it fall on him.

Jon Rahm admits his biggest fear was…

For the 2023 Masters Champion, a Ryder Cup, snubs would hurt the most. More than paying a million dollars in fines. “The biggest one, I think I can confidently say it was the Ryder Cup,” confessed Jon Rahm without a speck of doubt in an interview with Fox Sports.

In this year’s Ryder Cup, no LIV Golf players were allowed to wear the cap for the European side. Undoubtedly, it’s a huge risk that Rahm is taking. The Spaniard admits, “It’s a big risk to take, but I’ve had it in consideration, and again, I’m hopeful that I can be part of the team again.”

Rahm can look at the other side of the Atlantic for that hope. Brooks Koepka, despite being a LIV golfer, got the chance to sport the USA jersey at Marco Simone. The PGA of America offered rebel golfers a grace period until June that allowed him to be part of the prestigious tournament on the captain’s nod. If the European Tour decides to change its policy, it might open the doors for the 11-time PGA Tour winner.

Notably, the Spaniard took a radically different stance at this year’s Ryder Cup. Jon Rahm said it’s unfortunate that veterans like Garcia and Poulter have been snubbed because of their defecation to the Saudi side. Echoing his earlier belief, the two-time Major winner weighed his chances. “That’s not up to me right now, but if it was up to me, I’ll be eligible to play, so I surely hope I can keep up the good golf keep playing good golf, and give him a reason to help me in the team.” But will Luke Donald, the returning captain, pick him?

How does LIV Golf impact his Ryder Cup chances?

As per the DP World Tour’s current stance, Jon Rahm is ineligible to be a part of the patriotic showdown if it were to happen next month. But it’s still more than one and a half years away. But the European team selects players based on OWGR rankings, where Rahm currently stands in the third position. Since LIV Golf does not get OWGR points, the Spaniard has to perform staggeringly well in Majors to keep his Ryder Cup hopes alive.

Let’s also not forget that the European Tour, along with the PGA Tour, is locked in talks with PIF, the Saudi sovereign fund that bankrolls LIV Golf. The reported $3 billion framework agreement has a deadline of December 31. Although there are speculations that it might fail to meet the closing date, PGAT commissioner Jay Monahan is steadfast in wrapping up the deal before the year ends.

Read More: ‘Hopefully’: Newly Appointed LIV Golf Captain Jon Rahm Makes a Crucial Verdict on His PGA Tour and DP World Tour Future

If it sees the light of day, the officials will be on the drawing boards again, chalking up new plans for the future. A change in the Ryder Cup stance won’t be surprising. The 29-year-old linksman will pin his hope on that for his Bethpage Black fate.

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