Jon Rahm officially launched his career with LIV Golf on Friday, teeing off in the first event of the season at the Saudi-backed circuit in Mayakoba.
Earlier in the day, it appeared the first round might be postponed after several players suffered food poisoning overnight.
But the action picked up as expected and their $500 million signing in the offseason went as planned.
Rahm also made a sublime start. The Spaniard was six under through thirteen holes, but ultimately finished his first round at five under.
The Spaniard is part of the Legion XIII team, with his Ryder Cup teammate Tyrrell Hatton, Caleb Surratt and Kieran Vincent.
Jon Rahm has officially launched his career with LIV Golf and tees off in Mayakoba on Friday
The Spaniard is playing in his first event since leaving the PGA Tour for $500 million in December
Rahm chats with fellow LIV star Cameron Smith as they prepare for their first round
On his decision to sign with LIV, Rahm said this week: “I had to weigh a lot, basically get enough information and then make an informed decision.
“Even during the negotiation process, it was just very, very deep water, compared to what I’m used to.
‘I had to be more involved than I thought. But once the announcement was made, I think everything became a lot easier.”
‘Obviously there are people who will disagree with every decision we make in life.
“It was about what I expected, but it was nice to have some time afterwards before my first round of competition in LIV Golf to process it and then kind of refocus a bit and get going. ‘
If a 13th team is added to accommodate Rahm, LIV will have fields of 54 players corresponding to their 54 holes – 13 teams of four and two unaffiliated ‘wild cards’ in each event.
Rahm’s teammate Tyrrell Hatton also makes his Mexico debut after signing for $64 million
British star Hatton is another player making his Mexico debut on Friday after signing his own $64 million contract.
The Englishman also made a strong start, going one down in his first six holes.
Hatton has represented Europe in each of the past three Ryder Cups and played alongside Rahm in last year’s victory in Rome.
The 32-year-old, who won his first PGA Tour title at the 2020 Arnold Palmer Invitational, is currently ranked No. 16 in the world.
“I’m very excited about this next chapter, joining Jon Rahm and Legion XIII, and getting started in Mexico this week,” said Hatton, whose career earnings are approaching $22 million.