LIV Golf told they’ve caused a ‘tragedy’ as ‘incredible’ Scottie Scheffler scenario doesn’t play out

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LIV Golf has poached some of the PGA Tour big guns in recent years, with Phil Mickelson, Dustin Johnson and Bryson DeChambeau the first heavyweights to move to Greg Norman’s breakaway venture.

European trio Ian Poulter, Lee Westwood and Henrik Stenson also followed suit during the league’s fledging stages in 2022.

Jon Rahm, however, rocked the golfing world in December 2023 after the Spaniard signed a $500 million deal to become one of the highest-paid golfers of all time.

Golf Channel pundit Ryan Lavner believes LIV’s capture of the two-time major winner has proven to be a ‘tragedy’ for golf fans worldwide.

Golf fans robbed of Scottie Scheffler vs. Jon Rahm on a regular basis

• READ MORE: Jon Rahm has detailed the biggest challenge he’s faced since moving to LIV Golf

Speaking on the Golf Channel on Monday, Lavner claimed that Rahm’s move to LIV has made him less relevant and, in turn, robbed the golfing world of frequent showdowns with world number one, Scottie Scheffler.

Lavner said: “I still believe Jon Rahm will go down as one of the best players of all time as a European and if not the best chance of making the career grand slam. LIV Golf did not make him any less of a force on the world stage. All it’s done is make him less relevant and visible to the golf fan.”

He added: “That’s the tragedy that’s happened in golf in the past nine months. If you look at the career trajectories of Jon Rahm and Scottie Scheffler, we could’ve seen an incredible duel and rivalry between those two players. That’s not going to come to pass.”

Jon Rahm LIV Golf rumours continue to circle

Lavner’s comments come after Rahm was linked with a blockbuster return to the PGA Tour.

Of course, Norman was quick to refute the claims, but the Spaniard himself is yet to deny reports from Golf Digest’s Jaime Diaz properly.

Rahm returning to the PGA Tour anytime soon feels extremely unlikely. However, the rumours aren’t good news for those at LIV.

With the season coming to a close and the Ryder Cup just over a year away, some of LIV’s top stars will no doubt be trying to work out their best route into the USA and European teams. Rahm has made no secret of his desire to remain part of Luke Donald’s plans, and if that means making sacrifices on LIV, it’s a scenario which could play out.