Rory McIlroy is disappointed by John Rahm’s defection from the PGA Tour to LIV Golf but insists he won’t judge the Spaniard on his decision.
One of the worst-kept secrets in golf was confirmed last night when Masters champion Rahm backtracked on previous statements by agreeing to join the rebel Saudi-backed tour in a deal reported to be worth around £450million.
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McIlroy and Rahm were team-mates in the recent Ryder Cup as Team Europe thrashed the USA 16.5-11.5 in Rome, and the Northern Irishman insists he harbours no hard feelings.
He told Sky Sports: “He has got so much talent, he’s so tenacious and he’s a great team-mate in the Ryder Cup.
“The thing that I’ve realised is that you can’t judge someone for making a decision that they feel is the best thing for them.
“Is it disappointing to me? Yes, but the landscape of golf changed on 6 June, when the framework agreement was announced, and I think because of that it made the jump from the PGA Tour to LIV a little bit easier for guys.”
Masters champion Jon Rahm explains why he has joined LIV Golf, in a deal understood to be worth up to £450m 💬 pic.twitter.com/buUgNfMcbn
— Sky Sports Golf (@SkySportsGolf) December 8, 2023
McIlroy was referring to the framework of a deal between the PGA Tour and DP World Tours and the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund, who bankroll LIV, regarding a merger which has yet to be ratified ahead of the December 31 deadline.
McIlroy hopes common ground can be found for the good of the sport.
“Some people like LIV, the majority of people like the PGA Tour, but if LIV start to take a few players each and every year it’s really going to be divided and that’s no good for anyone,” he added.
“You’re basically cannibalising yourself as a sport.
“To me, having all the best golfers under the one umbrella is the best way forward because I think that’s really what the public wants.”
