Jon Rahm wants to play across LIV Golf, the PGA Tour and the DP World Tour despite previously saying it was ‘not right’ to do so.
The two-time major winner is set to compete in this week’s Spanish Open on the DP World Tour despite defecting to LIV Golf in December.
Rahm spoke to media members on Wednesday to address the current state of professional golfGetty
Rahm is banned from the PGA Tour and has outstanding suspensions and fines to pay on the DP World Tour as a result of playing on LIV Golf without a release.
The Spaniard recently launched a formal appeal against his DP World Tour sanctions, meaning he can play on the European circuit in the meantime.
And Rahm, who needs to play a number of DP World Tour events in order to qualify for the 2025 Ryder Cup, fully intends to play across all three tours moving forward – despite previously criticising that way of thinking.
With the PGA Tour and the Saudi Public Investment Fund at loggerheads over a deal to reunite the game, Rahm was asked what type of agreement he envisions for golf’s future.
He said: “Just one that allows us to play freely between tours and enjoy the game of golf.
“For example, in my case, play Torrey Pines and the American Express in January, then continue to enjoy being a DP World Tour member and play some events in the fall without any problems.”
That is a far cry from what Rahm told the No Laying Up podcast in January 2023.
Speaking 20 months ago, the 29-year-old said: “I can’t see a solution where you can have players bouncing back and forth, like, ‘We’re finishing the Tour Championship and then tomorrow I’m part of [LIV Golf team] the HyFlyers’.”
When asked to clarify whether he believes LIV Golf events should be in autumn so PGA Tour players can compete in both, Rahm said: “No. God no. I think you should make a choice.
“I know we’re independent contractors, but man… If you want to play, go ahead. Play in 20 events, plus another 14, then the Ryder Cup, that’s a lot of tournaments to play. Especially going around the world.
Rahm’s move to LIV Golf was a monumental shock given his past commentsGetty
“So I don’t think anybody would choose to do that.”
When pushed on the idea of ‘double-dipping’, Rahm added: “A lot of this gets into the ‘independent contractor’ definition, but when you sign with the PGA Tour – and I don’t know the legal wording – you sign some type of exclusivity deal.
“They have the right to your image. That’s probably the first problem you have. You need permission from the PGA Tour to play on other tours, which they’ve granted in the past, but they’ve chosen not to do with LIV, which is fully in the right, I believe.
“I don’t necessarily think you should be able to do both. I’m not judging anybody. Feel free, take the money, go to LIV, do want you want.
“But for me, double-dipping doesn’t seem like it’s the right thing to do.”
Now, though, it seems Rahm sings to a different tune.