Late Wednesday, all references to Jon Rahm on Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy’s TGL website were mysteriously erased. This was surprising considering that Rahm was one of the first names connected to the indoor golf league.
On Thursday morning, Rahm confirmed on X (formerly Twitter) that he would not be participating in the TGL season.
“I am saddened to confirm that I will not be participating in the first season of TGL,” Rahm wrote. “Although I still believe it’s a fantastic opportunity, I am currently unable to commit to the level required. I wish everyone involved the best of luck, and may the best team win!”
I am saddened to confirm that I will not be participating in the first TGL season. Although I still believe it’s a fantastic opportunity, I am currently unable to commit to the level required. I wish everyone involved the best of luck, and may the best team win!
— Jon Rahm Rodriguez (@JonRahmpga) November 2, 2023
The TGL league later confirmed Rahm’s departure on Thursday morning, as reported by Sports Business Journal.
“We will miss him during the inaugural TGL season,” stated a league spokesperson. “We understand that players have to balance various aspects of their personal and professional lives, and we respect Jon’s decision and wish him well.”
All social media posts mentioning Rahm and TGL were deleted, sparking speculation among fans that the 28-year-old golfer had left the PGA Tour to join LIV Golf.
I’m sure Phil and Sergio have found a sweet spot $$$$ figure to lure him to LIV. There are a lot of connections behind the scenes.
— MN GolfPro, PGA (@BJPaulsonPGA) November 2, 2023
The two-time major champion is a father to two young children and has several sponsor commitments. It’s possible that joining another league would have stretched him too thin.
This raises the question of why he initially committed if he knew it would be so time-consuming. Did he back out for another reason?
While Rahm clearly explained his decision in his post, people still tried to connect the dots.
Phil Mickelson hinted at more players joining LIV Golf, but is Rahm one of them?
Interestingly, Rahm and Mickelson’s agents are from the same firm, Sportfive. Additionally, Tim Mickelson, Phil’s brother, was Rahm’s college coach at Arizona State.
Rahm has tiptoed the line since the beginning. This is not surprising… He’s Cookin’ Cuzzie’s with FigJam and Timmy Mickelson.
— JacksonMonero (Farmer Jack) (@JackMonero) June 13, 2023
Rahm has previously stated that he has no plans to join LIV Golf.
“I laugh when people speculate about me joining LIV Golf,” Rahm said earlier this year on a Spanish podcast.
“From what I understand and have discussed with their players, LIV Golf will continue. None of them intend to return to the PGA Tour, and they left for a reason,” Rahm added.
Despite this, the connections between Rahm and LIV Golf still exist. Rahm fought for Sergio Garcia to be allowed to play in the Ryder Cup and has shown some level of interest.
TGL has not yet announced who will replace Rahm as the 24th member, but an announcement is expected soon.
On Thursday morning, the league revealed the four players who will make up the Boston Common Golf Club team: Rory McIlroy, Keegan Bradley, Tyrrell Hatton, and Adam Scott.
Savannah Leigh Richardson is a golf staff writer for SB Nation’s Playing Through. You can follow her on Twitter @SportsGirlSL and Instagram @savannah_leigh_sports for more golf coverage. Be sure to check out @_PlayingThrough too.
Daniel Miller takes readers to the greens with his passion for golf. He offers coverage of major golf tournaments, player achievements, and insights into the sport’s rich history, making him a trusted source for golf enthusiasts.
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