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USA Today via Reuters

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Debate

Rahm vs. Niemann for $18 million—Who do you think will come out on top?

Is Jon Rahm “experiencing deep regret” for joining LIV Golf? Well, that was the question that dominated the headlines nowadays. A ‘veteran Tour Insider’ reportedly took to divulge the Spanish golfer’s current mindset. However, shortly after, Rahm himself allegedly gave an interview disclosing his actual feelings about the whole speculation. And it appears his recent actions have just re-emphasized the whole decision.

Rahm finished the LIV Golf Greenbrier event tied for second place after losing to Brooks Koepka in a playoff. Interestingly, his runner-up finish at the tournament propelled him to the top spot in the season-long standings, keeping him in contention for the title of Individual Champion for the year, as per the 2024 leaderboard.

USA Today via Reuters

The 2023 Masters champion, with his T2 finish, overtook Joaquin Niemann, the Chilean LIV golfer who had previously secured the top spot in the rankings. As a result, Rahm now has 195.17 points, just 2.97 points ahead of Niemann’s 192.20. With such a narrow margin, Rahm’s chances of securing the title will be solid if he wins or finishes tied for second at the next event, provided Niemann finishes below him.

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The 29-year-old’s performance, along with his comments, sheds light on whether Jon Rahm regrets his decision to join LIV Golf. He dismissed the earlier rumors that he was considering returning to the PGA Tour after repaying the Saudi investment. “Yea, that’s why I can’t stop smiling out here,” said the golfer, per reports, “They just make sh*t up. Couldn’t be further from the truth.”

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That’s not all. If the 2-time major champion wins the Chicago event or manages to outperform Niemann, he stands to receive an $18 million bonus in addition to the $4 million winner’s cut. A victory would be a fitting response to the speculations that questioned his loyalty to the league.

The rumors that arose against Jon Rahm’s LIV loyalty, per reports

Jaime Diaz, a journalist from Golf Digest, reported an interview with a “Veteran Tour Insider” who claimed Rahm was regretting his move to LIV Golf. “I am 100 percent positive,” quoted Diaz, “If Jon could give the money back to the Saudis and come back to the tour, he couldn’t write the check fast enough.”

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What’s your perspective on:

Rahm vs. Niemann for $18 million—Who do you think will come out on top?

Have an interesting take?

The insider also pointed out Rahm’s miscalculation. “Now there are only four times a year when he’s playing that anybody, is remotely interested,” he said while alluding to the majors. “He thought his stature in the game was secure no matter where he was playing, and it was a bad miscalculation.”

Regardless of the speculations, Rahm seems to be in a positive position heading into the next event in Chicago. He undoubtedly aims to secure the title of 2024 LIV Golf Individual Champion in his debut year. But will he be able to do it? Fans will have to wait and see!