Defending champion Jon Rahm EXCLUDED from American Express Championship field amidst rumored $600 million switch to LIV Golf

Jon Rahm's name has not been included in the American Express field for the 2024 event which has raised further speculations regarding his move to LIV Golf.

Defending champion Jon Rahm EXCLUDED from American Express Championship field amidst rumored $600 million switch to LIV Golf

Jon Rahm (Image via Imago)

The past few weeks in golf have brought up huge drama that could potentially shake the sport. While the talks of the merger continue, a new revelation regarding Jon Rahm is looking to shake the golfing world. The Spanish international is reported to join the LIV Golf. These talks grew stronger when he was not included in the PGA Tour’s American Express field.

While some would say it’s normal for golfers not to be included in the field, this cannot be said here. The major reason for this because Rahm is the defending champion of the event. The Spaniard won the tournament in 2023 and went on to win the Masters Tournament at Augusta National in April.

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Another reason that could be for this move by Rahm would be the future changes in the schedule. The 2024 schedule is reported to have eight designated events along with the four major championships and the Players Championships. This could lead to golfers thinking about the hectic schedule. The exclusion of Rahm from this event though only adds fuel to the fire going around regarding his potential move to LIV Golf.

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As per reports, Rahm’s deal for the breakaway tour is set to around $600 million. He had previously turned down their initial offer of $300 million and claimed he never liked the format of the PIF-funded tour.

Paul McGinley claims he is not ruling out Jon Rahm’s switch to LIV Golf

When the LIV Golf was announced, several marquee names of the PGA Tour left them. At that time the biggest name to move was Phil Mickelson. The 45-time PGA Tour winner stunned the world when he switched his allegiances. The move of Jon Rahm to LIV could perhaps eclipse that in the upcoming days. NBC analyst Paul McGinley has claimed he is not ruling out Rahm’s switch to LIV Golf.

Paul McGinley and Jon Rahm
Paul McGinley and Jon Rahm (Pic Credit: Paul McGinley Biography/Imago)

The analyst said that in the past two seasons, a lot of things have changed and so he cannot discount anything at the moment. With the PGA Tour continuing its deal with the PIF, there could be a huge change in both the tours. One major change could see LIV Golfers get a chance to re-apply for the PGA Tour.

Everybody is in the dark because he hasn't denied it, but any of us who know Jon would be surprised if he did that. But what we have learned in the last two years is that you can never discount anything.
Paul McGinley on Jon Rahm’s rumored move to LIV Golf through Irish Independent.

Recently Tiger Woods and Jordan Spieth both commented on this rumor. The 15-time major champion claimed nothing has surprised him but the move of Rahm could be an exception. Meanwhile, Spieth mentioned how the players have discussed this with Rahm.

The reigning Masters champion is currently ranked third in the rankings behind Rory McIlroy and Scottie Scheffler. Rahm had previously attacked the 54-hole structure but praised his good friend Sergio Garcia. With some of his close friends on LIV Golf, Rahm could make a decision that would shatter the golfing records and shake up the sport dramatically.

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