The decision of Jon Rahm to move to LIV Golf is absolutely indisputable if we talk only in economic terms. However, in sports there are many more doubts. With his jump to the Saudi league, the Spanish golfer is putting at risk some objectives that until now appeared marked in red in his desires as a player.
The only thing he does have secured no matter what happens are the four Majors until 2027. In parts: the Masters is guaranteed for life as a winner, the US Open is safe until 2031 (ten years since he achieved his victory) and the PGA Championship and the Open Championship until 2027, as they are five exemptions from his triumph in the Masters (2023, 2024, 2025, 2026 and 2027). This is certain and could change, of course, if Jon in this time could win an Open Championship (he would be exempt until he turns 60) or the PGA Championship (lifetime exemption as in the Masters).
And now let’s go with the most delicate thing, what could be lost in the coming times. To start with, until nothing changes, he will start to fall in the world ranking immediately. He will only be able to hold on by signing very good performances in the four Majors and trying to play some tournaments that do count for the classification. For example, Jon’s idea today is to continue playing the Spanish Open. In this sense, it should not be ruled out that he plays some more DP World Tour tournament to try not to fall too much in the ranking.
What is the situation for the PGA Tour and the DP World Tour? As long as no agreement is reached between LIV and the PGA Tour, Jon will cease to be a member of the American circuit and, therefore, will not be able to play its tournaments. As for the DP World Tour, on the other hand, he could remain a member and play some of its tournaments, although for this he would have to be willing to pay the corresponding fines (for playing LIV Golf tournaments without the express permission of the Tour), as well as comply with the relevant weeks without playing sanctions.
Jon also puts at risk the next Olympic Games. The qualification for Paris 2024 is by world ranking. The reality is that right now he has a lot of advantage, but if he stops adding, does not do well in the Majors and the Spanish players who chase him in the classification do very well in the coming months, it should not be ruled out that he could lose his position. Remember that Jon always placed the gold medal in the Games as an important objective in his career. Let’s not forget also that he missed the Tokyo Games due to an untimely positive in Covid a few days before the tournament.
And finally, and perhaps the most important thing he puts at risk, is the Ryder Cup of 2025 in New York. It is true that there are two years left and many things can happen in the world of golf in this time, including an agreement between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf that unifies this sport again. However, if the current situation continues, he would have it very difficult. To be in the Ryder Cup he should continue to be a member of the European Circuit, something that right now is his intention, and, in addition, score points to qualify directly, an objective that he could only achieve by doing very well in the Majors and in the tournaments he plays from the European Circuit, or be handpicked, as long as he maintains his membership, by captain Luke Donald.
