2023 Master’s Champion Jon Rahm has jumped ship to the Saudi-backed golf tour, and the PGA Tour has responded swiftly
When LIV Golf first launched a few years ago as a potential competitor to the PGA Tour, Jon Rahm was one of its most outspoken critics. However, even the former number-one player in the world eventually succumbed to the huge contracts being offered by the Saudi Arabian rival, signing a deal with them earlier this month. Now, the PGA has countered Rahm’s move by suspending him.
The Pro Golfers’ Association released an official statement regarding its 2023 Master’s Tournament Champion on Monday.
“In accordance with the PGA Tour tournament regulations, Jon Rahm has been notified that he is suspended and no longer eligible to participate in PGA Tour tournament play due to his association with a series of unauthorized tournaments,” the governing body’s statement reads.
“Should any additional changes occur, the FedExCup playoffs and eligibility points list will continue to update through the conclusion of the 2023 calendar year with final eligibility for the 2024 season being set on Dec. 31.”
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Rahm, 29, has 11 career wins on The Tour, along with two majors – the aforementioned green jacket last year and the 2021 U.S. Open.
He will now be removed from the PGA’s playoffs and eligibility points list, based on its regulations. That adjustment will now move each player who was ranked below Jon Rahm up one spot on the list.
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