Jon Rahm confirms switch to LIV Golf in $500m deal

Two-time major winner Jon Rahm has confirmed that he is leaving the PGA Tour to join LIV Golf in what is reported to be a deal worth around $500 million.

The reigning Masters champion had previously ruled out jumping ship to the Saudi Arabia-funded circuit but has now made a U-turn in what is a huge boost to LIV golf – and a body blow for the PGA Tour.

The 29-year-old becomes the second current major champion on the LIV circuit after PGA Championship winner Brooks Koepka.

In a conference call on Thursday, Rahm looked to explain the reasons behind a decision which is set to again cause controversy within the sport.

“Every decision I feel like we make in life there will be somebody who agrees and likes it and somebody who doesn't, right,” Rahm said.

“I made this decision because I believe it's the best for me and my family and everybody I've been able to talk to has been really supportive of me, so I'm very comfortable with my decision.

“I'm no stranger to hearing some negative things on social media or in media. It's part of what it is, we're public figures but you just learn to deal with it right? This certainly won't define who I am or change who I am.”

He said he would keep private how much the deal was worth amid reports that put his compensation in the $500 million range, which likely would include equity in his new team. The PGA Tour's total purse in 2023 was about $460 million.

The development comes 25 days before the deadline for the PGA Tour and Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund try to finalise their June 6 agreement to become commercial partners in a for-profit enterprise, along with the European tour.

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Talks have been going slowly, and Tiger Woods said last week there were