European golf star criticizes Jon Rahm’s LIV Golf move

At the beginning of the 2024 season, Jon Rahm made the shocking move to LIV Golf. The reported signing figures reached over $550 million, so it’s hard to fault the golfer for making the switch and setting his family up for generations. However, one fellow Spanish golfer recently had some criticism for Rahm.

Jose Maria Olazabal calls out Jon Rahm’s LIV Golf transition

Jon Rahm’s move to LIV Golf was not without criticism, but he eventually proved himself by winning the individual scoring title in his first year. He had an up-and-down year in the Majors, including barely making the cut as the defending champion at the Masters.

Jose Maria Olazabal said via Bunkered, “I respect that you go (to LIV) with those conditions, with the huge amount of millions that they put on the table for you. I respect that, but I was surprised because Jon had been very clear in his words and because he had an extraordinary future and the opportunity to make history in this sport, to write golden pages of golf. And I don’t know if he’ll be able to do it now.”

Olazabal said he’s not sure LIV is the best preparation to continue playing well in Major tournaments. From his point of view, it can “hurt” Rahm “in terms of competitiveness.” Rahm did finish out his 2024 Major slate with an encouraging T7 at the Open Championship.

“I don’t question Jon’s self-esteem, work, and attitude at any time,” the Spaniard went on. “When he gets to the Masters this year he’s going to give it his all and he’s going to prepare himself in the best way, but the rest of the season, playing 12 or 14 tournaments without a cut, with 54 players… it’s not the same as playing against 150 and knowing that you can go home.”

Taking it a step further, the former Masters champion criticized LIV Golf as a whole, saying he doesn’t like that it’s only three rounds and that there’s a lot of loud music going on at the same time. “Call me traditional, but I don’t like the format,” he went on.

“It makes me sad that money has divided golf. It’s because of money, there’s no doubt about it. I’ve always respected the decision of those who have left,” the former golfer lamented. He admitted he probably would’ve taken the check “with a bunch of zeros on it” as well, but he called it a “shame” that finances have “destroyed” golf so quickly.