Jon Rahm backs Monahan but fires LIV warning: "Punishment should be in order!"

Jon Rahm says he still trusts Jay Monahan despite the PGA Tour boss agreeing a deal with LIV Golf's backers in secret. 

Monahan stunned the sporting world on 6 June when sat alongside LIV mastermind Yasir Al-Rumayyan to confirm golf's 'civil war' was over. 

A 'framework agreement' was announced which saw the two organisations immediately withdraw their claims in court. 

Part of that agreement also saw LIV make a promise not to poach any more PGA Tour talent for up to one year. 

There was also a stipulation that provided a pathway back to the PGA Tour and European DP World Tour from LIV Golf. 

Rahm told the media on 18 July before the 151st Open Championship at Royal Liverpool that he's heard players 'don't want to come back'. 

That being said, the Spaniard confirmed he still trusts under fire commissioner Monahan, who returned to work yesterday. 

Monahan was forced to step away from his day-to-day duties owing to an unexplained medical condition. 

| Jon Rahm says he still trusts and backs PGA Tour boss Jay Monahan despite unrest over the LIV Golf/PIF deal. pic.twitter.com/cd2RIntp5O

— GolfMagic (@GolfMagic) July 18, 2023

In the interim two high-ranking PGA Tour execs stepped in and also faced an uncomfortable grilling in a US Senate hearing. 

Several leading PGA Tour stars appear to be less than enamoured with Monahan. 

Jordan Spieth, Xander Schauffele and Scottie Scheffler all expressed displeasure with how the deal was handled. 

Rahm feels differently. 

Asked about his opinion of Monahan, he explained:

He continued:

So has Monahan lost Rahm's trust? "No," he replied. "Again, he still has all this time to work this agreement to basically prove that this was the right decision. No, as of right now, no."

"We all had a chance to go to LIV and take the money"

It was previously suggested PGA Tour players who rejected LIV should be financially compensated given the apparent hypocrisy of the deal. 

Rahm told the media it's a tricky situation. He was offered millions, he said, but "wasn't forced into anything". "It was my choice to stay," he added. 

He continued:

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"Punishment should be in order"

As mentioned, the 'agreement to have an agreement' stipulates that there is a pathway back to the PGA Tour if LIV players desire. 

Rahm said he has no issue with that, but has heard that several LIV players don't necessarily want to. 

He explained:

Rahm said he'll be involved in discussions going forward, but only if his thoughts are asked for. 

He said: "I'll tell you the same thing I told the people on the PGA Tour. If you want my opinion, ask me. If not, I'm not going to go out there and impose what I think on you guys."

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