Jon Rahm wants LIV-PGA Tour unity, but 'it's not up to me' - ESPN

AUGUSTA, Ga. — Defending Masters champion Jon Rahm hoped his move to leave the PGA Tour for the Saudi-backed LIV Golf League in December would expedite the process of bringing the sport back together.

«I understood my position, yes. And I understood that it could be a step toward some kind of an agreement,» Rahm said Tuesday at Augusta National. «Unfortunately, it's not up to me.»

While the sport remains split and Rahm returns to the Masters with a «Legion XII» LIV team logo across his chest, the Spaniard has remained steadfast in his belief that he made the right decision in switching tours.

«I still did what I thought was best for myself,» Rahm said. «I've had a lot of fun playing in those events. It's been fun to be part of a team.»

Since the advent of LIV in 2021, Rahm had been adamant and vocal about his distaste for the 54-hole format and repeatedly declared his loyalty to the PGA Tour. His departure, which was facilitated by a deal reported to be more than $350 million, was a shock to the golf world.

So far, Rahm has finished inside the top 10 at all five LIV events this season but has yet to win. The five tournaments are fewer than Rahm has played in previous years prior to the Masters, but the two-time major winner said it has not affected his preparation.

«If anything, I feel physically better than I did last year,» Rahm said. «I do feel fresh and ready for it.»

To hear Rahm talk about it, the different schedule is not as top of mind as missing out on some of his favorite PGA Tour events. The Scottsdale resident said Tuesday that he had to drive past the Stadium Course at TPC Scottsdale numerous times, seeing the stands and thinking of the fact that he wouldn't be playing in this year's Waste Management Open.

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