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

The golf world has seen a roller-coaster of events in recent times, with the latest one being the confirmation of Jon Rahm’s LIV Golf move. The golfer had been rumored to claim the multi-million dollar deal for weeks, and now, to nobody’s surprise, world no. 3 has shaken hands with PIF-backed LIV Golf, ditching PGAT. 

The golfer’s move has opened doors for a lot of new questions and speculations that have pointed fingers at Rahm and PGAT’s financial situation. In the midst of these claims, the looming question has been whether the golfer will now be able to retain his status on the DPWT and the PGAT, and per Rahm’s claims, he is not ready to ‘give up.’

Jon Rahm’s firm assertion on retaining DPWT and PGAT standing

Now LIV Golfer, Jon Rahm, recently signed the deal with Greg Norman’s Saudi-backed league and tweeted about the same, stating that he is proud to be a part of the league and plans on bringing something new to the world of golf. The golfer also added that he sees this position as a “great opportunity” for him and his family and is excited to see what awaits him in the future. 

The news was expected to break anytime as speculations around it had been going on for weeks. There had been claims about the golfer’s position on the DPWT and the PGAT after his move, as both the leagues have suspended and fined members for playing LIV events in the past. After signing the deal, Rahm sat with the media and answered some questions related to the move and his plans henceforth on the PGA Tour and the DP World Tour. 

Talking about his PGAT and DPWT status, the golfer expressed his desire to “maintain” his status in both the PGA Tour and DP World Tour while joining LIV Golf. He added, “I will not give that up, and hopefully with the freedom that LIV Golf gives me, I can play in both of those tours as well.”

The player emphasized the importance of certain events, like the Spanish Open, and said that he hopes to participate in specific PGA Tour events if his schedule allows. “I still want to go and play as long as my schedule allows. So, if possible, we’ll see what we can make happen,” Rahm remarked. 

Rahm’s side of the story seems clear, but the other half of the plot—DPWT and PGAT—has yet to make any confirmations or claims. What’s been a question though, is not about the player being able to play in the leagues but whether he will be able to retain his status on the two pro golfing tours at all. 

DPWT and PGAT’s rough history with LIV Golf

DPWT and the PGAT have a record with LIV Golf. Both leagues have suspended players who have ditched the tours in the past to choose a lucrative career with LIV Golf. Earlier this year, the European Tour fined and even banned 26 players who decided to change their pro status to LIV and Asian Tour events. 

Also Read: ‘Frustratingly That Decision Affects My Return’: Another Ex-LIV Golfer’s Career Dangles on DP World Tour’s Mercy

Several prominent golfers, like Phil Mickelson, Sergio Garcia, Dustin Johnson, Ian Poulter, and Lee Westwood, have been suspended from the PGA Tour in the past for participating in the Saudi-backed LIV International Golf Series. The golfers were not allowed to participate in any PGA Tour event or other tours sanctioned by the PGAT. 

The question that now remains is what fate will Rahm’s status on the tours unfolds as. The player is hopeful to continue his legacy in the pro golfing leagues, but his future in the leagues remains shrouded with clouds of uncertainty. 

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