The conception of the breakaway league, LIV Golf, has created many issues for golfers over the past two years, and it continues to do so. However, the disapproving larger world of golf has stood in the way of Jon Rahm and peaceful coexistence between the two, with fines of up to $1.95 million being levied on the Spaniard for his participation in LIV Golf. Pablo Larrazábal has also faced fines and suspensions for his participation in the breakaway league, amounting to up to $100,000. Maybe this is why he has now sided with Rahm in his quest to avoid paying fines

In a telling post on X (formerly Twitter), he came out in defense of compatriot Jon Rahm, who has been outspoken against paying any fines for his participation in LIV Golf. Larrazzabal wrote in Spanish, “For the sake of the two tournaments we have in Spain, I hope it gets resolved and we can compete against Jon… if not,  the prizes will go down, not as many people will come and with the possibility that we will lose one of the two soon… a shame. I’m, always team Jon…”.

Rahm intended to play in three DP World Tour tournaments this year: the Spanish Open, the Andalucia Masters, and the Dunhill Links Championship. Pablo Larrazábal expressed the significance of a top golfer like Rahm not playing in his own country and hoped that he will be allowed to in the coming days. Rahm himself has said, “I don’t go to the Spanish Open for the glory or anything else. I think it’s my duty to Spanish golf to be there.”

The three events would also maintain Jon Rahm’s eligibility in the 2025 Ryder Cup, which he hopes to return to after his contribution to the defeat of the USA team last year. But it is unclear whether he will be allowed to play. One way he could play is to appeal the sanctions as Tyrrell Hatton did to play in the British Masters.

The two Spanish events are not the only thing that Rahm has on his mind, though. Rahm is also in a top position to become the LIV Golf individual champion this weekend as he faces off against Joaquín Niemann at Bolingbrook.

Title decider at Bollingbrook, Illinois

Jon Rahm’s first LIV Golf victory came in late July this year. Never one to hide his feelings, Rahm had tears streaming down his face. This weekend, he faces his greatest test after a season of leading his team, Legion XIII, to the top of the rankings and propelling himself to the top. He faces Chilean Joaquín Niemann to become the individual champion of LIV Golf in his first season.

While Niemann performed well at the start of the season, Rahm found his form in the second half of the season. He won at the UK event and then almost followed it up at Greenbrier. Both have five top-three finishes and will be itching to get their hands on the $18 million bonus.