Golf Channel pundit makes Jon Rahm claim after he was linked with stunning PGA Tour return

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Jon Rahm hit the headlines during LIV Golf Greenbrier after being linked with a sensational PGA Tour return.

A bombshell report from Golf Digest’s Jaime Diaz cited a tour insider who had claimed Rahm was desperate to return to the PGA Tour and even give the PIF their $500 million back.

However, Greg Norman was quick to shoot down the Rahm rumours. “I read an article yesterday about how Jon is so unhappy here [LIV Golf] and that he wants to give back his money. It’s just not true,” said the Shark.

Now, Golf Channel pundit Ryan Lavner has weighed in on the discourse and defended Diaz’s piece.

Golf Channel pundit: There’s truth in the Jon Rahm LIV Golf exit talk

Speaking on the Golf Channel on Monday, Lavner was quick to defend his colleague.

“First of all, a defence of Jaime Diaz, who is painstaking as it comes to his reporting and his writing,” Lavner said. “He’s not putting it out there to simply drum up controversy. That is what he is reporting. He is as nuanced as they come.”

Regarding what was said about Rahm, Lavner believes there’s some truth in the claim made by Golf Digest.

“As it relates to Jon Rahm, I think it’s fair to say he probably did harbour these feelings, and he’s now resigned to the fact that he’s not the impetus for change or agitator for change that he initially thought he was going to be when he jumped on LIV Golf last winter,” he added.

Jon Rahm has yet to deny PGA Tour talk properly

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So far, Norman is the only person to completely reject talk of Rahm potentially returning to the PGA Tour.

During his press conferences at LIV Golf Greenbrier, the Spaniard wasn’t asked about the bombshell story or whether the claims were true.

Furthermore, if Diaz’s story were wholly fabricated, Rahm would’ve made a statement. Yet, the two-time major winner remains quiet.

Of course, the chances of Rahm returning to the PGA Tour and quitting LIV are extremely unlikely. But that doesn’t mean the 29-year-old is completely happy in his new surroundings.

Given the success Scottie Scheffler and Xander Schauffele have had on the PGA Tour and the majors in 2024, there’s every chance of Rahm potentially looking back on his decision with a tinge of regret.