While the initial batch of players who jumped to LIV Golf were widely criticised, it does appear that many of the players on both tours have grown tired of the sport’s civil war, with four of the game’s biggest names set to face off in December.
Of course, LIV Golf‘s marquee name over the last year has been Jon Rahm, with the Spaniard’s move from the PGA Tour proving to be a huge coup for the breakaway league. Rahm has justified that status by winning the individual title in his first year on LIV. Unfortunately, Rahm was too ill to help his Legion XIII side in the team championship in Dallas last week.
Rahm’s move appeared to be a hammer blow to the PGA Tour. There seemed to be the potential for his rivalry with Scottie Scheffler to develop into one which defined the tour for the next few years – particularly after they faced off in the singles at the 2023 Ryder Cup.
What Tony Finau said about Jon Rahm
But it was also a blow because Rahm was clearly incredibly popular on the PGA Tour, with Tony Finau one of those who still has a very good relationship with the 29-year-old.
Speaking on Grant Horvat’s YouTube channel, Finau was asked about the best ever round he has had, and that led the world number 23 to bring up Rahm – before making a claim about the two-time major champion off camera.
“Yeah, me and Rahmbo are both the course record holders at Silverleaf, 59. I played with Rahmbo when I shot 59. We’ve had some fun, he’s awesome,” Finau said.
“Tony just said he doesn’t see a weakness in Jon Rahm’s game, I would say the same thing, so shoutout to Jon if you’re watching this,” Horvat went on to add.
A major disappointment
It has been such an interesting season for Rahm following his move to LIV. He could not have done too much more there, coming in the top 10 at every single event he played, and winning on two occasions. And it would have been intriguing to see how Legion XIII would have fared had he been available for the team championship.
But LIV is still fighting for credibility, and it is only likely to be their players’ performances in the major championships which secures it. Obviously, they have had two players win majors since joining, with Bryson DeChambeau emulating Brooks Koepka this year.
However, Rahm’s year in the majors was hugely disappointing, with his Masters defence ending in a mid-table finish. That would prove to be his best result until The Open – though admittedly, he did miss the US Open due to injury.
A top 10 at Royal Troon slightly flattered Rahm as he was never really in contention to win and rose through the field with a superb final round. He would also miss out on an Olympic medal after leading by four shots at one stage on the back nine at Le Golf National.
Clearly, Rahm is one of the world’s best players with the potential to win many more majors. But he appears to be one player who needs a much better 2025 in golf’s four biggest events – regardless of what he does on LIV.
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