John Rahm (Spain), winner of this year’s Masters, has suddenly disappeared from the roster of simulation golf TGL, which kicks off next January 9. His sudden departure has led to speculation that he may be moving to LIV Golf.
TMRW Sports, the company co-founded by Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy (Northern Ireland), confirmed on Wednesday that Jon Rahm is no longer part of the fledgling golf league. “Jon is one of the most talented players in the game and we will miss him during the inaugural TGL season,” a TGL spokesperson said in a statement, adding that the organization “understands that players need to balance their professional and personal lives.”
Ram’s sudden departure from the TGL has sparked speculation online that the two-time major champion is considering a move to live golf. Rahm reportedly turned down a staggering $100 million ($133.6 million) offer to join LiveGolf. In August, Rahm appeared on a Spanish-language podcast and confirmed that he had turned down any offer from LiveGolf.
“I laugh whenever people talk about LiveGolf,” he told the podcast Golf Sin Etiquetas, “and I always have a good time with Phil Mickelson and Sergio Garcia at major practice rounds.” Ram was Mickelson’s college classmate and remains close with the golfer. “He respects my decision, and I respect his,” Rahm confirmed.
However, DP World Tour player Eddie Pepperell recently said on an internet radio podcast that LiveGolf approached him and asked for a $300 million ($400 million) signing bonus, which LiveGolf turned down. With four PGA Tour wins this year, including the Masters, Rahm’s product is more disruptive than Cameron Smith’s (AUS) move to LiveGolf last year after winning the Open. 캡틴토토
Rahm, who donned a green jacket and threw out the ceremonial first pitch before Game 4 of the Major League Baseball World Series in Phoenix on Tuesday night, was one of the first players, along with Justin Thomas, to sign up for the TGL when it was announced a year ago on Nov. 29, 2022.
Meanwhile, a TGL spokesperson confirmed that the 24-man roster will be announced shortly with replacements. TGL announced the format for the two-hour matches, which will begin on Jan. 9 at prime time U.S. time. There will be six teams of four players each. The six teams represent major U.S. cities, with five teams officially named – Boston, Atlanta, San Francisco, Los Angeles, and New York.
Boston Common Golf announced its roster of McIlroy, Keegan Bradley (USA), Adam Scott (AUS), and Tyrrell Hatton (GBR). Previously, Justin Thomas and Colin Morikawa (USA) joined Atlanta and Los Angeles, respectively.