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via Imago

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After starting the butterfly effect with his LIV Golf defection, Jon Rahm has been the talk of the town for the past day. The 2x major champ chose LIV Golf for his future golf endeavors and joined the league for a reported $500 million deal. After the news broke on the 7th of December, various prominent faces of the golf world reacted to Rahm’s leaving the PGA Tour and shaking hands with Greg Norman.

Exciting, disappointed, unstirred, and whatnot, here is what the golf world had to say. Jon Rahm accepted the LIV offer on Thursday and the golf world, though expecting the news, still felt a sense of astonishment – owing to Rahm’s past stance on not joining LIV Golf. After the news marinated for a few hours, there came the reaction from golfers and influencers alike.

Six times major champion, Lefty on Rahm’s defection 

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Phil Mickelson was quick to wish Rahm a hearty commendation. Lefty shared on X that “good things happen to good people,” as Rahm got inducted into LIV. Prior to the actual news, there were rumors, and Mickelson did find himself in between one.

When critic Alan Shipnuck alleged Mickelson claimed, the deal was done as they share the same agent. However, Lefty promptly denied the allegation, though the rumors have now turned into reality.

Another personality who was excited about Rahm’s joining LIV Golf was a golf influencer, Paige Spiranac. Before the confirmation came in, the golf mommy announced in her podcast that it was “not a rumor and it is happening.” After the deal was confirmed, Spiranac stated the move to be “massive” and “very very interesting” for the future of golf.

Rory McIlroy, a true LIV Golf critic and 4x major champion, also shared his disappointment over the news. McIlroy told Sky Sports that it was indeed “disappointing” losing Rahm and that he will miss playing with him on the PGA Tour. However, the golfer was understanding of Rahm’s choices and said he can’t judge someone by doing what’s best for their family.

McIlroy also stated that though LIV golfers did not participate in the 2023 Ryder Cup edition, he was certain that Rahm would be there in 2025 as Ryder Cup will change its rules after this move. Former world no.1 and Rickie Fowler were also a few who reacted to Rahm’s defection.

Jason Day and Rickie Fowler react on Rahn ditching the PGA Tour

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The former world no.1 Jason Day, had spoken before Rahm joined the LIV Golf and said, it would be easy for him to attain his number one rank again as the competition will be lower. Moreover, he stated that “everyone’s got a number in the end,” and wished him the best for his future.

Read More: What Is Jon Rahm’s Liv Golf Team’s Name? The Spaniard’s Million Dollar Request Finds Perfect Answers From Fans

On the other hand, Rickie Fowler, who is playing at the Grant Thornton Invitational, showed an unaffected demeanor. Fowler stated in a post-conference interview that Rahm’s move to LIV “doesn’t affect me necessarily,” however, he was intrigued at what the future will unfold following the deal and then the upcoming merger being finalized on 31st December.

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The rest of the PGA Tour has kept a mum on Jon Rahm’s move and the Tour has not uttered a word against or for it. With the deadline creeping closer, will Rahm’s defection prove to be a massive blow to the TOUR? Only time will tell the future of golf.

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