Former Ryder Cupper says 'nothing nuanced' over Jon Rahm's TGL withdrawal

Six-time PGA Tour winner Hunter Mahan says there is 'nothing nuanced' by Jon Rahm's decision not to play in Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy's golf league.

Ben Smith

03 Nov 2023

Former Ryder Cupper says 'nothing nuanced' over Jon Rahm's TGL withdrawal

Hunter Mahan believes there is 'nothing nuanced' about the decision by PGA Tour star Jon Rahm to back out of Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy's indoor league.

Rahm dealt Woods and McIlroy's TGL a significant blow by deciding not to take part in the inaugural season just 24 hours after the format for the tech-fused league was revealed.

Of course, his decision inevitably fuelled speculation the 2023 Masters champion was mulling a renewed offer from LIV Golf.

Rahm is said to have been approached by the rival league again over the summer, according to English pro Eddie Pepperell, and quoted Greg Norman et al a figure so 'prohibitively large' even they said no.

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For context, Phil Mickelson was paid $200m to join LIV, Dustin Johnson $150m, Bryson DeChambeau $120m and Brooks Koepka $100m.

In his 49-word statement on X, Rahm said he was 'sad' not to be involved in the new venture that will begin on 9 January.

"While I still think it's a great opportunity," Rahm said. "Right now it would require a level of commitment that I can't offer."

Mahan, who appeared in three U.S. Ryder Cup teams, is also convinced the 28-year-old isn't on the move.

"He's not going to LIV," the 41-year-old, who has also won six PGA Tour titles, wrote on X. "Lot of travel for an indoor event, when he wants to win majors."

Rahm has previously said he never liked LIV's format, describing the shotgun start, 54-hole events as 'not a proper golf tournament'.

Last June, the Spaniard explained in detail why he ultimately decided to turn down LIV's offer.

After conversations with his wife Kelley Cahill, Rahm said the vast sums of cash wouldn't change his life.

"Truth be told, I could retire right now with what I've made and live a very happy life and not play golf again," he said.

"So I've never really played the game of golf for monetary reasons.

"I play for the love of the game, and I want to play against the best in the world.

"I've always been interested in history and legacy, and right now the PGA Tour has that."

There’s nothing complicated or nuanced to @JonRahmpga backing out of TGL. He’s not going to LIV. Lot of travel for an indoor event, when he wants to win majors.
— Hunter Mahan (@HunterMahan) November 2, 2023