‘Fractured and Politicized’: Alan Shipnuck Thrashes the PGA Tour Amid Jon Rahm’s Massive Money Jump

Alan Shipnuck, the controversial author, who was earlier embroiled in a war of words with Phil Mickelson, chips in on the Jon Rahm switch. The Spaniard’s shock move to LIV Golf has taken the golf world by surprise, especially because of his disinterest in the breakaway league since the beginning. The former Sports Illustrated author thinks there is more to it than the reported $300 million the reigning Masters champion will receive.

While many were quick to rake the Spaniard over the coals, Shipnuck took a surprisingly different stance. The author of “LIV and Let Die” responded to a Twitter user who dubbed the Spaniard a “sell out mister money.” As per the veteran sports journalist, it points towards a deep-rooted problem within the PGA Tour.

Alan Shipnuck doesn’t think Jon Rahm is greedy

Taking to X (formerly Twitter), the veteran sports journalist said that a PGA Tour loyalist’s defection also points to something that’s rotten inside the core. “The money is always the biggest factor, obvs. (obviously) But Rahm’s change of heart is also a repudiation of the Tour leadership and a commentary on the increasingly fractured and politicized Tour membership.”

The PGA Tour, too, seems to have acknowledged that some problems need to be sorted out quickly. The December 1 memo shared by Tiger Woods notes a program allowing players to have a stake in the tour through equity grants. Moreover, the tour also addressed Rahm’s earlier demands. However, nothing could stop the mega switch.

Shipnuck’s response, though, came as a reply to his earlier tweet. The former Sports Illustrated author earlier reported that Mickelson had direct knowledge of the matter. Moreover, Alan Shipnuck claimed that the Lefty has been spreading rumors about Jon Rahm’s potential switch. Alluding to this, the veteran journalist wrote, “Phil knew what he was talking about.”

Mickelson was quick to deny the earlier ‘allegations’, calling Shipnuck “pathetic” and “worst liar.” However, Shipnuck’s claims were based on the fact that the two reportedly have the same agent. Moreover, Rahm and Mickelson are known to share a good rapport, and the Lefty’s brother was the Spaniard’s earlier coach. Although Mickelson has not responded this time (not yet), the oldest major winner sure will be glad to find his friend by his side.

Greg Norman hammers a massive blow

For Yasir Al-Rumayyan and Greg Norman, it’s probably the steal of the year. Sure, they had major winners—Brooks Koepka won the PGA Championship this year. But Rahm’s defection smacks a dagger at the PGA Tour. Although not as vocal about his Ryder Cup comrade, Rory McIlroy, the Spanish International, was a Tour loyalist—a loyalist who didn’t like that staggering, obscene amount of money always stealing the limelight from the actual game.

But, on December 7, a “proud” Jon Rahm posed with Greg Norman, announcing his next career move away from the Tour, where he won 11 titles. Signing the current Masters champion for a reported fee of $300 million also puts a question mark on the future of the $3 billion merger agreement.

Read More: Top 3 Things to Expect After Jon Rahm’s LIV Golf Defection

The deadline of December 31 is inching closer. Although PGAT commissioner Jay Monahan

appeared firm on reaching the deal deadline and was set to meet Rumayyan soon, Rahm’s switch further muddies the waters. The lingering question at this moment is: what will be its ramifications in the negotiations?Watch This story | LIV Golf Takes Huge Leap Towards Success; With or Without Jon Rahm’s $600M Signing