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via Reuters
Golf – The 2023 Ryder Cup – Marco Simone Golf & Country Club, Rome, Italy – September 26, 2023 Team Europe’s Jon Rahm during a press conference REUTERS/Phil Noble
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via Reuters
Golf – The 2023 Ryder Cup – Marco Simone Golf & Country Club, Rome, Italy – September 26, 2023 Team Europe’s Jon Rahm during a press conference REUTERS/Phil Noble
Jon Rahm is undeniably one of the best golfers in the world. But his decision to switch ships has cost him the opportunity to defend some of his most prestigious titles in 2024, which he won on the PGA Tour this year.
The two-time major winner signed a reported $566 million deal with the Greg Norman-led league in December 2023. After his move and the PGA Tour suspension, he is no longer eligible to play in the PGA Tour events. Let us take a look at the defending champion opportunities that the Spaniard had let go of.
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1. The Sentry Tournament of Champions
The Sеntry Tournament of Champions is the calendar-year opening event of the PGA Tour. The world no. 3 won the 2023 edition by two shots over Collin Morikava, earning $2.7 million and 550 FedEx Cup points. Notably, Rahm had previously finished as runner-up at the event in 2018 and 2022 and was looking forward to returning to the Plantation Course at Kapalua Resort in Hawaii. But his LIV Golf affiliation has now prevented him from doing so.
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via Reuters
Rogue Race: Jon Rahm and George Bryan play as a team to win through the challenges | Courtesy: Reuters Images
2. The American Exprеss
Two weeks later, Jon Rahm won the 2023 edition of the American Express by one stroke. He defeated the PGA Tour rookie Davis Thompson. The LIV Golfer shot 27-under-par for four rounds and earned $1,440,000 from the purse of $8,000,000. After winning, the Spaniard said, “A little lucky that Davis’s putt didn’t go in on 17, and a little fortunate that his ball just got over the green on 18.”.
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via Imago
PGA, Golf Herren The American Express – Final Round Jan 22, 2023 La Quinta, California, USA Jon Rahm poses with the winner s trophy after the final round of The American Express golf tournament at Pete Dye Stadium Course. La Quinta Pete Dye Stadium Course California USA, EDITORIAL USE ONLY PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xOrlandoxRamirezx 20230122_ojr_rb5_023 Image Credits: IMAGO
However, Rahm had previously won the event in 2018, but now he is barred from competing in it. As a result, he will have to miss out on the chance to repeat his success in 2024.
3. Thе Gеnеsis Invitational
The Genesis Invitational is a prestigious and historic event on the PGA Tour. It is played at the iconic Riviеra Country Club, organized by the Tiger Woods Foundation. Rahm beat Max Homa by two strokes and earned $3,600,00. He also consolidated his position as the world number one and received the trophy from Woods himself.
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via Imago
PACIFIC PALISADES, CA – FEBRUARY 19: Jon Rahm holds the trophy, next to Tiger Woods, after winning the Genesis Invitational on February 19, 2023, at Riviera Country Club in Pacific Palisades, CA. Photo by Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire GOLF: FEB 19 PGA, Golf Herren – The Genesis Invitational Icon2302190154. Image Courtesy: IMAGO
These testimonials not only represent earnings, rankings, and points for Rahm but also memories, emotions, and achievements that he will cherish for the rest of his career. By joining the 54-hole league, he has missed the chance to add to his legacy at these events and possibly others. Of course, Rahm still has the opportunity to play in the major tournaments.
Also Read: 3 Major Takeaways as Jon Rahm’s $566M LIV Golf Switch Gets Pulled Apart by Ex-Teammate Shane Lowry
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However, Rahm’s loss may not be permanent. There is still a possibility that the PGA Tour and LIV Golf will reach a merger agreement by the end of 2023, which could allow LIV Golf players to participate in PGA Tour events and vice versa. If the merger goes through, Rahm may be able to reclaim his titles and his status on the PGA Tour. But until then, he will have to live with the consequences of his choice.
Watch This Story | LIV Golf Takes Huge Leap Towards Success; With or Without Jon Rahm’s $600M Signing
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