Masters champion Jon Rahm has inked a deal to join LIV Golf, reportedly valued at over £450 million.
The 29-year-old Spanish golfer is the latest prominent name to join the breakaway golf league formed in 2021, funded by the Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund.
Rahm’s decision comes after prior criticism of the rebel competition, which is currently engaged in negotiations for a potential merger with the PGA Tour and DP World Tour.
World No3 Rahm said: “Every decision I feel like we make in life, there will be somebody who agrees and likes it and somebody who doesn’t.
“The money is great. It’s wonderful but what I’ve said before is true.
“I do not play golf for the money. I play golf for the love of the game and for the love of golf but as a husband and as a father and family man, I have a duty to my family to give them the best opportunities and the most amount of resources possible.
“I’m an ambitious person but I’m not a greedy one.
“I am proud to join LIV Golf and be part of something new that is bringing growth to the sport.”
Rahm is set to join forces with other European golfers such as Ian Poulter, Lee Westwood, and Sergio Garcia, along with renowned players like five-time major champion Brooks Koepka.
While Poulter, Westwood, and Garcia were excluded from competing in the recent Ryder Cup, won by Team Europe in Rome, there are suggestions that the rules may need reconsideration to allow Rahm to participate in the 2025 edition at Bethpage Black, New York, according to statements from Rory McIlroy.
McIlroy told Sky Sports: “Jon is going to be in Bethpage in 2025 so, because of this decision, the European Tour are going to have to rewrite the rules for Ryder Cup eligibility.
“There’s absolutely no question about that — I certainly want Jon Rahm on the next Ryder Cup team.”
The Northern Irishman added: “You’re basically cannibalising yourself as a sport, sort of the same as what boxing has done with all the different organisations and a few other sports have as well.
“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.”