Masters champion Jon Rahm, a prominent figure in men’s professional golf, has recently made a significant suggestion for the LIV Golf League. He believes that extending the tournament from 54 to 72 holes could be a game-changer, potentially marking a “tipping point” in the ongoing evolution of professional golf.
Rahm, a 29-year-old Spaniard, is eagerly anticipating his title defense at Augusta this week. He’s coming off a strong performance at last week’s LIV event in Miami, where he finished joint fourth and led his Legion XIII team to victory.
This year’s Masters tournament marks the first time all of the world’s top players will compete at the same venue. The event kicks off the 2024 major calendar amidst a divided men’s game, as the PGA Tour explores potential collaborations with LIV’s Saudi Arabian backers.
Despite his initial criticism of LIV’s abbreviated 54-hole format, Rahm, who reportedly signed a contract worth £450m, believes his new employers should reconsider their format. He told BBC Sport, “If there ever was a way where LIV could go to 72 holes I think it would help all of this argument a lot.”
Rahm’s influence in the golf world is undeniable. After winning the Masters and the 2021 US Open at Torrey Pines in California, he became a global star. Despite his initial criticism of LIV, his decision to join the breakaway tour at the end of last year sent shockwaves through the golfing establishment.
Rahm believes that if LIV could attract him, they could attract almost any leading player, thereby establishing themselves as a significant part of modern golf. He said, “I understood the weight that [my] decision could have and the impact it could have. I understood that perfectly and that’s why it wasn’t an easy decision.”
Rahm points to the “framework agreement” announced on 6 June 2023 between the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF) and the PGA and DP World Tours as a pivotal moment in his decision-making process. He felt blindsided by the move and spoke of a sense of “betrayal” by the tour’s hierarchy.
Despite the politics behind the scenes, Rahm is focused on defending his crown at Augusta. He fondly recalls his journey to securing his first Green Jacket, which began with a double bogey after four-putting the opening green. He said, “I’m very happy to talk about it now.”
Rahm believes his form leading up to the tournament has been better than it was a year ago when he posted three early PGA Tour wins. He dismisses the notion that LIV lacks the intensity of competition provided by his former circuit.
He is looking forward to hosting a Basque-themed champions dinner, featuring small local snacks called pintxos, on the Tuesday evening. Tradition dictates he will pick up the tab, but he readily and happily acknowledges he can well afford it.
Indeed, he is ready to revel in all that comes with being a winner of golf’s most glamorous tournament. “It is quite incredible isn’t it?” he smiled. “Being able to go in that locker room and be surrounded by those players. It’s a very exclusive club; very, very exclusive and very special.”
If Rahm successfully defends his title, he would be the first to do so since Woods 22 years ago. Given the seismic impact of his transition to the LIV tour, the implications of such a success would be significant.
