‘Haven’t Bought Them for Life’: 3X Major Champ Takes Jon Rahm’s $566M to Paint LIV’s Answer to a Plaguing PGAT Query

Only a fool would doubt Jon Rahm’s worth, and Padraig Harrington is not one of them. The former Ryder Cup captain feels the Spaniard’s $566 million move is well justified considering his stature on and off the greens. But that also sets an interesting precedent, as per the Irishman. 

The 2020 Ryder Cup captain feels Rahm’s mega-money transfer will have a few knock-on effects. However, while talking about the possible scenarios, Harrington, unknowingly, pointed towards a glaring PGA Tour-LIV Golf difference. A difference has caused significant frustration among players and, as many believe, is one of the key reasons why ace golfers are bolting from the Tour.

Jon Rahm signing was totally worth it, Harrington believes

The Spaniard has set the bar high, Harrington admits straightaway. Talking to Mirror Sport, the 6-time Ryder Cupper appeared curious about the future market, where he feels “it [Rahm’s move] sets a very high anchor price for future players.” But the defending Masters champion is not the only big name in the league, and LIV Golf hasn’t bought anyone for life.

Players like Brooks Koepka, Dustin Johnson, Phil Mickelson, and others will also sit on the negotiating table after their current contracts expire. Harrington is curious how far the asking price reaches because the first few apostles were also the ones to bear the heaviest brunt.

The 12-time DP World Tour winner mused, “They are going to renegotiate every three years for the players that are there, they haven’t bought them for life.” Interestingly, that also separates LIV Golf from the PGA Tour, which has long been criticized for not listening to the players’ demands.

In fact, in August, 41 players, including Jon Rahm, fired off a letter to the top brass calling for more involvement of the players in the decision-making process. Despite increasing the number of player directors to six after that, 21 players once again kicked off a storm, pointing out the lack of transparency regarding the framework agreement. Harrington, while talking about future scenarios, also raised another important question.

Harrington is curious about the post-merger scenario

The Irishman wonders what will happen after the merger. If LIV Golf were to knock on Viktor Hovland’s doors once again, and this time the Norwegian agreed, what would be his asking price? More importantly, what happens to Jon Rahm and other banned players?

Read More: LIV Golf Rumors: Jon Rahm Secures First Team Member for His Legion XIII

The Tour is locked in talks with PIF, and Strategic Sports Group, a private equity investor, is likely to be part of the mega-deal. The Irish golfer believes if the belligerent parties can reach some sort of agreement, the renegade players will perhaps be brought into the fold again. What does that spell for the breakaway league? Padraig Harrington believes the players stand to gain as they will have the bargaining chip.

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