PGA Tour’s ‘Unauthorized’ LIV Golf Comment Shadows Jon Rahm’s Masters Inclusion and the $3B Merger, Leaving Fans Fuming

Jon Rahm’s seismic LIV Golf move continues to make ripples across the golf world. It’s been more than two weeks, and Jon Rahm is probably spending some quality time with his family that he rarely could earlier. But his fans still can’t absorb that the PGA Tour has barred the defending Masters champion from teeing off in Tour events.

Ironically, both PIF and PGA Tour’s policies towards each other have remained the same despite being in talks for a $3 billion merger framework. PIF continues to barge into the Tour’s roster to lure away its most prized assets. Whereas, Jay Monahan & Co. are relentless in kicking out anyone who changes their allegiance. The tug of war has inevitably divided the players, and golf fans have pledged allegiance to their favorite stars.

Why was Jon Rahm ousted from the PGA Tour?

PGA Tour was swift to ban Jon Rahm from the Tour in the wake of his $566 million LIV Golf switch. Although the Spanish International expressed his heartfelt desire to “maintain my PGA Tour and DP World status”, Jay Monahan didn’t move an inch from his earlier position. Although the two-time Major champion will tee off at Augusta this year, the PGA Tour’s doors are slammed shut for the golfer.

The Tour in an official memo said Rahm has been banned “due to his association with a series of unauthorized tournaments.” As a result, the Defending Masters champion was removed from the FedEx points list as well, making it easy for a few bottom-rung players to get back in the Tour once again.

In hindsight, the official announcement was a mere formality. It was widely expected that Rahm would eventually be ruled out of the Tour because of his sudden change of heart. However, the Spaniard’s fans and LIV Golf supporters feel it was uncalled for. 

Although it’s been two weeks, and since then a few other players have also divulged that LIV Golf approached them as well, some fans still can’t get over the fact that Jay Monahan decided to remove one of the best players even before he teed off in any of the LIV events. For them, it’s an atrocious move by the PGAT commissioner.

Netizens slam the Tour for its ‘knee-jerk’ decisions

With the merger deadline fast approaching, the Spaniard’s move has thrown the golf world into more disarray. The netizens’ comments on the entire fiasco aptly reflect that.

Consider this fan’s comment, for example. Earlier PGA Tour banned the players only after they took part in the inaugural LIV Golf event. This fan pointed out, that the PGA Tour this time grew more intolerant of anything LIV.

One fan was curious to know if LIV Golf players are required to play in all the events to keep their cards. As per the contracts reviewed by the Wall Street Journal, players are expected to play in all the events. However, the repercussions of not playing in an event are not clear.

One fan appears skeptical about the $3 billion PIF-PGAT-DP World Tour merger framework. Referring to an earlier Department of Justice investigation, this user claims another one might be in the offing. 

There are a few who can’t fathom why PGA Tour players can’t play in the LIV Golf events. As far as the Tour is concerned, they feel LIV Golf will take away a chunk of their revenue and viewership if top players tee off in their events. 

Also Read: ‘Frustratingly That Decision Affects My Return’: Another Ex-LIV Golfer’s Career Dangles on DP World Tour’s Mercy

One user is baffled about how some people still jump on each other on Jon Rahm’s departure. It’s the Christmas season, go have some fun, that’s what this fan wants.

This all-guns-blazing battlefront is probably the last thing that forever-pacifist Jon Rahm wanted. Regardless, the golf world is fractured, a little more than it was a month back.

Watch this Story: ‘Fractured and Politicized’: Alan Shipnuck Thrashes the PGA Tour Amid Jon Rahm’s Massive Money Jump