Jon Rahm has fired back at murmurings that he was set to make a controversial switch to LIV Golf, after rubbishing the claim on Twitter and joking that the rumour will help him in the PGA Tour’s Player Impact Programme (PIP). Amid golf’s ongoing civil war, Rahm has remained loyal to the PGA Tour.
Despite this, rumours on social media began to grow that the Spanish star was set to make a sensational LIV move following the recent end of the 2022 season. An account on Twitter named ‘LIV Golf Insider’ led to the Rahm rumblings, which have gained traction in recent days.
Tweeting on Tuesday the so called ‘LIV Golf Insider’ wrote: “My #LIVGolf source just confirmed with me John Rahm to LIV INV is indeed a GO.
“I’ve never been wrong about a LIV signing. Just look at my track record. PGA Tour is on the ropes.” Rahm, however, has since shut down these claims, taking to the social media site itself to respond to the initial rumour.
He replied: “I must inform you that you have started a losing streak because you and your source are wrong.” Joking that the recent rumblings have helped him climb up the PIP leaderboard - a scheme rewarding PGA Tour players who have the most impact and influence through a number ways including social media - he added: “I want to thank you for the lift in the PIP,” adding a laughing and crying emoji at the end.
Whilst Spain’s No. 1 golfer claimed he would not be joining the Saudi-backed circuit, the LIV Series has been able to lure in one Spanish star. As a result, 20-year-old David Puig revealed earlier this week that he was leaving college golf at Arizona State to turn professional and link up with the breakaway circuit.
Puig has already played at two LIV Golf events at Centurion and Bedminster, but only as an amateur. Ahead of his professional debut and third series appearance in Chicago this week he said in a statement: “Although it has probably been the hardest decision that I’ve ever made, I’ve decided to turn professional this week.
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“However, I’m still an ASU student and plan to graduate in the next year. My base will be in Tempe, hopefully forever. What a great place to live and become a champion golfer.
"I've been lucky enough to represent Spain on many occasions and it's been a real honor. Today is a day where even though I stop being an amateur and change to a professional player, the love and respect I have for this federation will never change."
