JUST IN: Golf Superstar Jon Rahm Defects to LIV in Shocking Move That Raises Questions About PGA Tour’s Deal With Saudis

Kamran Jebreili/AP

PGA Tour golfer Jon Rahm will reportedly defect to LIV Golf. Contract figures have not been disclosed, but the amount likely exceeds $400 million — according to multiple outlets.

According to a report from the Wall Street Journal, the signing of Rahm may send a message to the PGA Tour to finalize its deal with Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund — which operates LIV. The rivals agreed to a partnership in June that would see the formation of a unified golf entity. They have until Dec. 31 to make the partnership official.

Rahm has established himself as one of the top golfers on the planet in recent competitions. In addition to winning the Masters Tournament in 2023 — and coming within four strokes of a win in 2021 — Rahm helped Team Europe win this year’s Ryder Cup.

In the past, however, Rahm dismissed the idea of ever defecting to LIV. Rahm, like Rory McIlroy and Tiger Woods, was seen as a PGA Tour loyalist. He’s been critical of LIV’s tournament format and even went as far as saying a $400 million wouldn’t get him to leave the PGA Tour. With that said, it’s reasonable to expect his contract to be significantly more than that.

With Rahm reportedly on the way, LIV adds another top golfer to its roster. The rival tour previously signed American player Brooks Koepka, who confirmed his deal was worth at least $100 million.