Two-time Masters winner says he’s ‘terribly sad’ about what’s happened to Jon Rahm since he signed for LIV Golf

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Jon Rahm’s decision to quit the PGA Tour and sign for LIV Golf at the end of 2023 rocked the golfing landscape.

Rahm was a staunch critic of LIV and appeared settled on the PGA Tour. However, after Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund tabled an offer that would make the Spaniard one of the highest-paid golfers of all time, his head quickly turned.

Since signing for LIV, Rahm has become the standout player in the 54-hole league and won the Individual Championship in Chicago last year.

The Spaniard’s LIV journey has not been entirely smooth, however.

Rahm is not a fan of the 54-hole format, and during the LIV Golf Greenbrier event, the two-time major winner was linked with a PGA Tour return.

Meanwhile, with the LIV Golf League still not receiving world ranking points, Rahm has dropped out of the top 50 – and Spanish legend Jose Maria Olazabal has shared his thoughts on his compatriot’s lowly OWGR position.

Jose Maria Olazabal shares thoughts on Jon Rahm’s LIV Golf move

Speaking to Spanish news outlet El Pais, Olazabal initially discussed Rahm’s decision to sign for LIV.

“Yes, I have to be honest. I was a little surprised. I insist I respect that you leave with those conditions, with the huge amount of millions that they put on the table for you,” said the former European Ryder Cup captain.

“I respect that, but I was surprised because Jon had been very clear in his words and because he had an extraordinary future and the opportunity to make history in this sport, to write golden pages of golf. And I don’t know if he’ll be able to do it now. I don’t know if playing the LIV is the best preparation to be able to excel in the majors.”

Olazabal then expressed his sadness about Rahm falling outside the world’s top 50 players.

“From my point of view, it is not the best option. Above all, it can harm him in terms of competitiveness,” he added.

“I do not question Jon’s self-esteem, work and attitude at any time. When he gets to the Masters this year, he will give it his all and prepare himself in the best way, but the rest of the season, playing 12 or 14 tournaments without a cut, with 54 players… is not the same as playing against 150 and knowing that you can go home.

“It makes me terribly sad that Jon is not among the 50 best in the world [he is 54th]. He is a star and should be with Scheffler, fighting every week to win everything.”

• READ MORE: Jon Rahm said the greatest shot of his career is ‘tainted’ and never spoken about

Brandel Chamblee agrees with Jose Maria Olazabal’s comments

Golf Channel pundit and LIV cynic Brandel Chamblee was quick to agree with Olazabal’s remarks on Tuesday evening.

“I agree with Jose… Rahm sold his business for a discount,” Chamblee wrote on X.

“THE player who said he was more concerned with history, in going to LIV, proved he was more concerned with money.”

LIV receive major exemptions despite OWGR absence

One ray of light for LIV surrounds the Open Championship and US Open. Previously, even the top-ranked LIV players—not already exempt—were forced to qualify for both majors.

However, after announcements from the R&A and USGA, the top-ranked player will be given a spot in The Open and US Open.

Furthermore, the USGA will also give the top ten players in the LIV standings automatic exemption into the final US Open qualifying.

Last year, Sergio Garcia was forced to go through Open qualifying, and Patrick Reed missed his US Open qualifying event after making the cut at the 2024 PGA Championship.