BREAKING: Jon Rahm talks about his move to LIV Golf: Mentions the money, but not the growth of the game

Jon Rahm gave an interview to ESPN’s Sports Center and the first part of it was published on Sunday, February 25th. The Spaniard touched on some hot topics about his move to LIV Golf, especially the role that money played in his decision.

Rahm also talked about what would have happened if he hadn’t won the Masters, as well as his intentions as a player on the PGA Tour and DP World Tour. His communication with Rory McIlroy and Tiger Woods was also on the table.

It was noteworthy that, at least in this first part, the issue of “growth of the game” was left out of his statements. Let’s see what Jon Rahm talked about with Sports Center:

Jon Rahm, the money and his decision to sign with the LIV Golf

“The best way I can explain it is LIV Golf wasn’t a thing or a possibility for us growing up. PGA Tour was the pennacle of golf, right? This is a new change, a big change, and I don’t want to skip through this point because… there’s no point. A big change on the way the the golfers get compensated. I’ll be lying if I said it wasn’t a big part of it. In a nutshell, I’m getting paid more to play the same sport and have more time. I don’t know about most people that sounds great to me.”

Jon Rahm on the role of winning The Masters in his decision

“I can confidently say that if I hadn’t won the Masters this year I don’t know if I would have done it. It definitely set me up in a position to where it’s easier to make that change and, if I hadn’t won a major, I don’t know if I would have ever done it.”

Jon Rahm about Rory and Tiger

“Rory has been supportive publicly of my decision and he was privately as well. Tiger, no, not really. I mean, Tiger… I texted him and the people that trying to reach out you know throughout the process when I signed and I just let him know hey you know this is a personal decision, I have nothing against anybody.”

Jon Rahm to continue playing PGA Tour events

“I want to make one thing clear: if allowed, I would still support the PGA Tour and DP World Tour. I’m not giving up and there’s still some events I would love to absolutely play, no doubt about it. If my schedule allows, I would go on and play.”

Jon Rahm also addressed his change of position on LIV Golf. Let’s remember that months ago the Spaniard declared his “loyalty” to the PGA Tour and his “confidence” in Jay Monahan’s management. He also gave his opinion about the intentions of the Public Investment Fund (PIF) in its possible relationship with the PGA Tour.

Changing the speach

“From when I said that, certain circumstances changed. When the PGA Tour and PIF got into this agreement framework, and they agreed to maybe work together in the future, I think it opened my mind to ‘well maybe I’ve been a little bit close-minded towards this’ and maybe I should give myself a chance as an athlete and entertainer I think I owe it to myself to hear the other side out, and that’s what I did.”

“I think you’re free to go do job interviews, right? I have the right to do what I think is best for myself and my family. Period. I’ve said it before, as a father and as a husband, I have a duty to set my family up best as possible. Not that we weren’t, we’re extremely privileged people, I’m aware of that, but it’s my duty .”

PIF’s intentions

“I think the fact that they [PIF] have made an effort to be involved with the PGA Tour and support the PGA Tour all along is a testament that they’re not there to take over and make the PGA Tour go away. I think it’s that simple. I never knew if that was the goal or not, but after talking to the people in charge, I know that’s not the goal.”