Jon Rahm’s big paycheck may have cost him his friendship with Tiger Woods.
Rahm quit LIV Golf and the PGA Tour in December in a deal reportedly worth between $300 million and $600 million.
The decision comes as the reigning Masters champion has not dealt with as much disdain as other players who have defected to LIV, and has received public support from Rory McIlroy, previously the Masters’ harshest critic. It felt like a dot. Rebel Golf League.
Woods may not have gotten the memo.
Rahm was asked by ESPN’s Marty Smith on Sunday. I’ve heard from McIlroy and Woods since the decision was made.
And while he acknowledged talking to McIlroy, the same can’t be said for Woods.
“Tiger? No, it’s not,” said Rahm, 29. “I mean, Tiger, I texted the people who were trying to get in touch with him the process when he signed. And I just told him, ‘Hey, look, this is a personal decision. ‘I just told them.’
Woods has been outspoken about LIV in the past and reportedly turned down an offer from the league.
Rahm was asked about his decision at the PNC Championship in December.
“Well, there’s been a lot of talk over the years about certain players leaving, and there were rumors of names that were going to leave and names that weren’t going to go, and whether or not they were going to come to fruition, so until that happened… It was just speculation…” Woods said. According to Golfweek.
“So I thought it was just speculation until it happened.”
Since Rahm’s departure, McIlroy has completely changed his tune and is now defending LIV golfers who play in the Ryder Cup.
“Rory has been supportive of my decisions publicly and privately as well,” Rahm said.
Rahm revealed his reasons for quitting the PGA in an interview with ESPN, admitting that unlike many defectors, money played a role in his decision.
“I don’t want to skip this point because it makes no sense. [LIV Golf offered a] “It’s going to make a big difference in how golfers get paid,” Rahm said.
“I’d be lying if I said that wasn’t a big part of it. In a nutshell, you’re getting paid more for playing the same sport. [having more free time]. I don’t know about most people, but for me it’s great. ”
LIV Golf has 12 tournaments scheduled this year, and it’s not as grueling as the PGA Tour.
However, Rahm has spoken in the past about LIV’s three-day no-cut tournament and how it doesn’t work out considering his competitive nature.
Rahm has finished tied for third and eighth in the previous two LIV tournaments.
Woods, who aims to play in a tournament every month, was forced to miss his first tournament of the year, the Genesis Invitational, two weeks ago due to the flu.
Rahm and Woods are both scheduled to play in the Masters in April.
