In the wake of Jon Rahm’s recent entry into the LIV Golf League, the golfing world has been abuzz with speculation about which PGA Tour players might follow suit. Initial rumors pointed to Tony Finau and Tyrrell Hatton as potential additions to Rahm’s team. However, the landscape has taken a twist with Finau officially declaring his allegiance to the PGA Tour.
As the dust settles on Finau’s decision, all eyes turn to Hatton, whose recent moves have sparked concern among LIV Golf enthusiasts. Despite initial speculations, Finau’s decision has cast a shadow over the feasibility of recruiting top-tier PGA talent for the league. The latest development involving Hatton’s participation in non-LIV Golf events further adds fuel to the uncertainty surrounding his potential affiliation with Rahm’s team.
Tyrrell Hatton might just be following in Finau’s footsteps
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The confirmation of Hatton’s participation in non-LIV Golf events, such as the Sony Open in Hawaii from January 11th to 14th, 2024, and the Dubai Desert Classic at the Emirates Golf Club from January 18th to 21st, 2024, has raised doubts about his potential commitment to the PIF-funded league.
According to the X account TyrrellTracker, the Sony Open website today reported Hatton’s official commitment to their tournament, setting the stage for an exciting start to the year. However, this commitment to traditional events adds a new dimension to the ongoing LIV Golf saga.Hatton’s choice to participate in established tournaments, alongside his official entry into the Dubai Desert Classic hints at a potential inclination towards the traditional PGA Tour and DP World tour, casting shadows over Rahm’s vision for a groundbreaking LIV Golf team.
According to reports today on the Sony Open website, Tyrrell Hatton has committed to the Sony Open in Hawaii from the 11th-14 of January 2024 👏🏼👏🏼💪💪 pic.twitter.com/rv9NUbwI1S
— TYRRELL TRACKER (@TyrrellTracker) December 14, 2023
The golf community was quick to anticipate a formidable lineup with Rahm at the helm, but now, the dream team scenario appears to be dwindling. While Rahm’s entry into the league promised a new era in professional golf, the challenges of recruiting top talent persist.
Tony Finau is not going to budge
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In a surprising twist, six-time PGA Tour winner Tony Finau took to Instagram to announce his return for a 10th season on the PGA Tour in 2024. This revelation came as the rumors about his defection swirled around during last week’s Grant Thornton Invitational. Finau’s decision to stay on the PGA Tour added an unexpected turn to the narrative, diverging from the recent trend of high-profile players exploring the alternative golf league.
This announcement followed closely on the heels of LIV Golf’s major signing of Jon Rahm, the world’s third-ranked player, to a lucrative multiyear contract. As the saga unfolds, golf enthusiasts are left wondering whether Rahm will be able to assemble the star-studded team initially envisioned or if the LIV Golf League will face setbacks in securing other marquee players from the PGA Tour.
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