Jon Rahm-Captained Legion XIII’s ‘Strategic’ Move Shuts Down Massive LIV Golf Rumor

Initially, people believed that LIV had no future. The talks further solidified when the $3 billion merger was announced between PIF and the PGA Tour, as people learned that LIV will now be discontinued. Then, Spaniard John Rahm shocked the golf world when he confirmed his reported multi-million-dollar move to the Saudi-backed league. The PGA Tour then suspended him for his “association with a series of unauthorized tournaments.” 

It is safe to say that things progressed for the Saudi-funded league and got better. It signed many deals to make the customer experience better, such as with Caffeine and AEG Presents, and even the very delayed merger is probably coming close to its final stage. Adding to LIV Golf’s cemented status, a recent partnership deal with Jon Rahm and his team has further silenced those LIV Golf critics. 

Jon Rahm captained Legion XIII partners with the famous Maestro Dobel

As per LIV Golf.com, Legion XIII GC, captained by Jon Rahm, has announced a multi-year deal with Maestro Dobel Tequila, a Mexican tequila brand. This “strategic alliance” comes to life ahead of this week’s LIV Golf Houston event at the Golf Club of Houston. In just its first year, the new LIV team has already won two team titles: Mayakoba and Miami. It has also had four top finishes and is currently at number 2 in the LIV team standings.

The brand designates itself the ‘Official Tequila’ of Legion XIII. “As the tequila category and global consumer interest in golf grow exponentially, it’s an exciting time to continue our partnership with Jon Rahm and now expand to his Legion XIII team. Building upon our strategic alliance with Jon allows us to share Maestro Dobel’s ultra-premium tequilas with LIV Golf’s audience across the world,” said Lander Otegui, CMO of Proximo Spirits, expressing his joy about the deal.

When the deal was finalized with team Legion XIII, the 29-year-old expressed his views: “The continuation of my partnership with Maestro Dobel Tequila, which has now expanded to Legion XIII, is the perfect fit as they are also unwavering in their commitment to excellence.” He further honored the brand’s decision to choose his team as a family.

Before this, the brand had sponsored Jon Rahm as well. He signed on as a brand ambassador for Maestro Dobel at the start of 2023. “We are proud to welcome Jon Rahm to the Dobel family and look forward to bringing the spirit of tequila to the PGA Tour community with one of the greatest professional players in the game of golf,” said Juan Dobel, founder of Maestro Dobel Tequila, when the brand signed the Spaniard.

An interesting thing about this partnership is that Maestro Dobel has been an official marketing partner of the PGA Tour. The two sides had first signed a multi-year agreement in 2021. This partnership adds to the waves of support LIV Golf is getting, whether in terms of sponsorship deals or fan involvement. Rahm and the team will be hosting a tequila bar and tasting experience, with a celebratory toast to officially kick off the partnership this weekend. But what does the golfer think of this new deal?

Is Jon Rahm happy about the deal with Maestro Dobel?

“My entire career, I have had a singular goal of becoming the best at what I do, and now I share that vision for my team,” said Rahm, talking about this lucrative deal. “The continuation of my partnership with Maestro Dobel Tequila, which has now expanded to Legion XIII, is the perfect fit, as they are also unwavering in their commitment to excellence. We are honored that they have chosen to become part of the Legion XIII family, and we look forward to introducing the brand’s smooth tequilas to our fans across the world.”

Founded by the 11th-generation tequila maker, Juan Dobel, Maestro Dobel Tequila is a modern expression of a legacy that spans over 250 years. The brand offers a collection of ultra-premium tequilas, each with a unique flavor profile that embodies innovation and mastery. Apart from golf, Maestro Dobel announced its partnership with the tennis US Open tournament in 2023. The tequila brand engages golf and tennis fans at premium hospitality and locations nationwide.

With this being said, the collaboration will strengthen LIV Golf’s presence and influence in the golf world. How do you think the presence of LIV Golf will shape the future of professional golf? Share your thoughts in the comments below.