Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy's TGL confirm massive Jon Rahm news
TGl have confirmed Jon Rahm will not take part in Tiger Woods' and Rory McIlroy's golf league, prompting speculation the Spaniard is joining LIV Golf.
Jon Rahm has officially withdrawn from Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy's new golf league.
Rahm was one of the first high-profile players to be announced as a participant in the tech-fused golf league that will debut primetime on Monday nights next January.
On 2 November, any mention of Rahm on the official TGL website was scrubbed.
All social media posts relating to the Masters champion were also deleted, prompting wild speculation the 2023 Masters champion would be the next high-profile LIV Golf signing.
Rahm has now officially withdrawn from the league.
In a statement, a spokesperson for TGL said:
The league confirmed Rahm's replacement will be announced in due course.
Rahm has consistently distanced himself from rumours he would join LIV Golf.
He is said to have rejected an offer in the region of $300m to leave the PGA Tour.
Explaining why he rejected the Saudi-backed circuit, the 28-year-old said Phil Mickelson had told him he had 'no reason' to join LIV.
English tour pro Eddie Pepperell recently made the claim the former World No.1 was approached again over the summer and asked for another figure.
According to Pepperell, Rahm quoted a sum so 'prohibitively large' that LIV said no. Perhaps they have upped their offer?
Contrary to the likes of McIlroy, 34, and Woods, 47, Rahm has never been critical of LIV or its players.
He has said PGA Tour players should not be reimbursed financially after the North American circuit announced a framework agreement with LIV's financiers in June.
Before the 151st Open, Rahm explained to reporters: "So I understand the PGA Tour wanting to do something for those players who helped and stayed on the PGA Tour, but at the same time – and I'll be the first one to say – I wasn't forced into anything.
"It was my choice to stay. Do I think they absolutely should be and there must be a compensation? No. I just stayed because I think it's the best choice for myself and for the golf I want to play.
"Now, with that said, if they want to do it, I'm not going to say no."
TGL will begin on 9 January at 8pm ET.
Jordan Spieth, Scottie Scheffler and Viktor Hovland appear to be the other highest-profile golfers not involved.
Scheffler and Spieth's exclusion appears to be down to the fact they both reside in Florida, a considerable distance from TGL HQ in Florida.
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