Why Jon Rahm could yet be the biggest winner if LIV Golf is shut down
· Yahoo Sports
Jon Rahm is arguably the biggest star in LIV Golf right now, with the two-time defending champion currently leading the individual standings.
He has claimed two wins this season, along with three runner-up finishes and one fifth-place finish elsewhere.
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But his future in the sport is now up in the air, along with those of his fellow LIV Golf players, given that its funding from the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF) will end after this season.
Rahm has stayed loyal to LIV Golf amid the recent exits of other high-profile stars such as Brooks Koepka and Patrick Reed, but he’s now likely reconsidering his position.
Fortunately, the Spanish superstar may yet find himself as the biggest winner of the entire ordeal if LIV Golf is indeed shut down at the end of 2026.
Jon Rahm could yet be the biggest winner from LIV Golf fallout
Along with Koepka, Bryson DeChambeau and Cameron Smith, Rahm was offered the chance to return to the PGA Tour via the Returning Member Program.
Only Koepka accepted the terms, and he’s been busy on the PGA Tour since his comeback.
Elsewhere, DeChambeau could focus on filming content and may just enjoy great success, with Smith left as the biggest loser amid the LIV Golf fallout.
In stark contrast, Rahm could be the biggest winner, not least because of his extraordinary earnings since making the switch.
Rahm tops the LIV Golf career prize money list, which may come as little surprise given his back-to-back titles.
Secondly, despite concerns about his Ryder Cup status given his difficult relationship with the DP World Tour, the Spaniard has still been able to play in the prestigious tournament.
And he played a crucial role at last year’s event, scoring three points for Team Europe as they defeated the USA at Bethpage Black.
But perhaps most comforting for Rahm is the possibility that he will be welcomed back with open arms by the PGA Tour.
Even with his rejection of the Returning Member Program offer, Rahm still has the talent and status to be a superb addition to his former tour.
PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp has every right to be stricter with a potential new offer, but he would be foolish to deny a return for a player who can only benefit the product.
Photo by Johan Rynners/Getty ImagesJon Rahm can return to major championship contention on the PGA Tour
Rahm may not have an easy PGA Tour return, but any discussion of his best golf being behind him should immediately be shut down.
Once ranked as the best golfer in the world, the two-time major winner has definitely dropped his level, as witnessed by his T38 finish at The Masters earlier this month.
LIV Golf certainly hasn’t helped him stay in top shape, but he has every chance of returning to the player he once was on the PGA Tour.
Rahm has 11 career wins to his name, and made the cut in 143 of his 159 appearances on the PGA Tour.
While he may have admittedly missed a few years of his prime, the current scene strongly suggests that the 31-year-old should have no concerns about his age.
Rory McIlroy just won The Masters at the age of 36, with 29-year-old Scottie Scheffler finishing second and 45-year-old Justin Rose finishing in a tie for third.
Ultimately, while it may not be straightforward, Rahm should be desperate to once again compete with the very best on a regular basis, and that is clearly on the PGA Tour.
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