Jordan Spieth denies Patrick Cantlay rumour and tips cap to LIV for Rahm deal

Jordan Spieth has denied Patrick Cantlay has maneuvered himself into a position of power on the PGA Tour's policy board, revealing he found the reports "funnier" than the Ryder Cup's pantomime villain did.

Reporting from Sports Illustrated suggested Cantlay, along with Spieth and Tiger Woods, were driving negotiations to ratify the 6 June framework agreement in a way that would only benefit the top players. 

In other words, the rank and file membership would be left behind in any agreement signed and sealed with LIV Golf's financiers, the PIF of Saudi Arabia and potentially some private equity groups. 

Spieth denied this was the case in comments to Associated Press on 9 December and even tipped his hat to LIV Golf for signing Jon Rahm. 

"It's a nice play by them," he told the publication, adding that he still believes the Tour hold the best hand against LIV. 

The only problem is, LIV Golf know what cards the North American circuit are holding. 

"There's no fact to it," Spieth told AP of Cantlay's alleged power grab. "It's been very collective since I've jumped on. It's not even a thing.

"We're looking for the best outcome for the players as a whole, and it's six persons [as player directors]."

Spieth was alluding to the fact he has replaced Rory McIlroy on the policy board. 

McIlroy resigned from his position in late November, citing personal commitments and family reasons. 

The Northern Irishman has been quoted in the Irish Independent calling Cantlay 'a d---' as he explained they have never seen eye-to-eye.

Of Rahm's decision to join the Saudi-funded breakaway, Spieth put forward an interesting theory about the reigning Masters champion. 

Spieth said: "I don't think for him it was the money. I believe he saw two places that neither one was in a great situation right now, and he said, 'May as well have the money.

"It's a really nice play by them. I think we hold the best hand, but they know what our hand is. It's a nice leveraging tool with everything going on."

It is no secret that LIV have approached all of the top golfers in the world. 

To this point Cantlay and his good buddy Xander Schauffele have remained loyal.

It was previously suggested by Golfweek that Cantlay has been rallying against Saudi investment all along as existing PGA Tour incentives won't benefit him in a way that the continual threat of LIV would. 

Eamon Lynch previously wrote of Cantlay:

Speith told AP this couldn't be further from the truth and that he found the report of his power snatch "a lot funnier than I think Pat did."

He said: "I believe he's done more for the PGA Tour in the last six months on the board than anyone since Tiger. That's how great he's been for the membership.

"It's like he's the biggest issue and it couldn't be further from the truth."

Read more:

• Jon Rahm's message to Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy: "This wasn't personal"
• Jon Rahm talks Ryder Cup "risk" and what Seve would say after joining LIV Golf
• Rory McIlroy on Jon Rahm's Ryder Cup future? "Change the rules"
• Rumour: PGA Tour star "very close" to follow Jon Rahm by joining LIV Golf