- Jon Rahm went back on his word and joined LIV on Thursday for $570 million
- He insisted money is “great,” but it wasn't the driving force behind his move
- DailyMail.com provides all the latest international sports news
No. 3-ranked golfer and Masters champion Jon Rahm admitted his move from the PGA Tour to LIV Golf was the result of the Saudi-funded tour's “enticing offers.”
On Thursday, Rahm appeared on Fox News, wearing an LIV jacket, to confirm his move after LIV posted a crossword puzzle to suggest his signing. However, Rahm did not openly say how much he gets paid to switch tours.
“It's not an easy decision,” Rahm said. “There were a lot of things that LIV had to offer that were really enticing.”
The Spaniard's compelling deal to join LIV would earn him approximately $570 million, making him the highest-paid golfer on LIV's roster.
“I can't say anything about that, and I don't want to,” Rahm said of his deal. 'It's private and it will stay private. Listen, it was a great offer. The money is great, it's great.
Spaniard Jon Rahm's big LIV move was finally confirmed on Thursday evening
Rahm's deal is more than twice as much as LIV's second-largest contract of Phil Mickelson, who reportedly signed for $200 million.
LIV reportedly gave Dustin Johnson $150 million to jump ship, while Bryson Dechambeu and Brooks Koepka paid $100 million each.
Rahm insisted that the motive behind the move was to grow the game, adding: “I am an ambitious person, not greedy.”
Rahm also expressed his interest in playing team golf, which is emphasized in LIV's format. Rahm recalled his time playing for the Spanish national team and Arizona State during his collegiate years.
“Being part of a team is something that has been very important to me throughout my career,” Rahm said. 'As a professional you don't often have that opportunity. It's something that's really fun to play, for something that's more than just yourself.”
However, Rahm wasn't always a fan of the format. In a previous interview, Rahm admitted to laughing at speculation that he would leave the PGA Tour for LIV.
Rahm met with LIV CEO Greg Norman (R) after the Masters champion agreed to switch tours
Rahm won 11 PGA events during his eight-year professional career, including the 2021 US Open
“I laugh when people say I have LIV Golf,” Rahm said via Handicap 54, translated from Spanish. 'I never liked the format. And I always have a lot of fun with Phil Mickelson and Sergio Garcia in the practice rounds of the majors.”
In addition to being the reigning Masters champion, Rahm has also won eleven PGA events as a professional, including the 2021 US Open.
Rahm also teamed up with Rory McIlroy to help Team Europe beat the United States in the 2023 Ryder Cup in October.
When asked about the PGA Tour, Rahm said, “This wasn't anything personal for them, it was for my family. I hope the friends I've made will remain my friends.'
LIV announced 12 of 14 tournaments for their second season, starting February 2-4 in Mayakoba on Mexico's Gulf Coast.
LIV's 2024 schedule not only mirrors the PGA Tour's events, they also want to compete with the Super Bowl for audiences. LIV will host their first event in Las Vegas from February 8 to 10, ending at Allegiant Stadium the day before Super Bowl Sunday.