Phil Mickelson had previously told Jon Rahm he has no reason to join LIV Golf, but will no doubt be over the moon to see the Spaniard make the move to the breakaway league
Phil Mickelson has welcomed Jon Rahm to LIV Golf despite having previously told the Masters champion that he had ‘no reason’ to join the Saudi-backed series.
Rahm became the latest big-name player to join the LIV Golf setup, after signing a record-breaking deal worth a reported £450 million earlier this week. In doing so he follows in the footsteps of a number of fellow greats, including Dustin Johnson, Brooks Koepka and Mickelson.
On the back of his Saudi switch on Thursday, Rahm has received a number of well-wishes from his new LIV colleagues, and good friend Mickelson has become the latest after taking to X.
“In life you want good things to happen to good people,” the six-time major champion tweeted. “Happy for Jon Rahm.” Rahm’s move from the PGA Tour came as a shock to many, despite numerous reports linking the Spaniard to the rebel league in recent weeks.
Previously the green jacket winner has rubbished his chances of ever signing with the LIV setup. Most recently he told the Golf Sin Etiquetas podcast that he would ‘laugh’ when is name was linked with the Saudi switch, and also revealed he had been told by Mickelson to remain with the PGA Tour.
“I laugh when people rumour me with LIV Golf,” Rahm said in August. “I never liked the format. And I always have a good time with Phil Mickelson and Sergio Garcia in the practice rounds of majors. Phil [Mickelson] respects my decision, and I respect his [choice].
“Mickelson has told me that I have no reason to go play for LIV, and he has told me that multiple times.” In the weeks leading up to Rahm’s move, Fire Pit Collective’s Alan Shipnuck claimed Mickelson had already been confirming that a deal was done, a report the former PGA champion went on to play down.
Rahm himself was quizzed on whether Mickelson had played any part in his change of heart, but insisted he had held no conversations with his good friend. “[Mickelson played] no role at all. All those players on LIV are finding out shortly after we’re doing this Q&A. No role at all.
“He’s somebody I lean on to for advice as I’ve always done but not somebody I’ve talked to. I know he wishes I could’ve talked to him but it’s not something I could’ve done.” It remains to be seen what the future holds for Rahm’s PGA Tour and DP World Tour career on the back of his Saudi switch.
With negotiations between the PGA Tour and Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia (PIF) ongoing, Rahm hopes he can play across all three tours when a deal is finally signed off. “I do want to maintain my PGA Tour and DP World Tour status,” he claimed.
“I will not give that up. Hopefully with the freedom LIV gives me I can play both those tours. There are certain PGA Tour events I want to play as long as my schedule allows. If possible, I want to make that happen.”
