“Silly to criticize players for leaving,” Viktor Hovland backs Jon Rahm’s $600 million switch to LIV Golf following huge backlash on social media

Viktor Hovland has shown his support to Jon Rahm and backed him for his multi-million switch to LIV Golf.

“Silly to criticize players for leaving,” Viktor Hovland backs Jon Rahm’s $600 million switch to LIV Golf following huge backlash on social media

Jon Rahm and Viktor Hovland (Image via Eurosport)

It seems the golf world is still upset at the move of Jon Rahm. The current World No.3 stunned the world when he announced his shocking move to LIV Golf. Since then several people have slammed him for his actions. However, there were few including Rory McIlroy who supported him. One of his fellow European Ryder Cup teammates Viktor Hovland has also backed him now for this switch.

Fans on social media were left agitated by this decision by Rahm. They would brutally attack the Spanish international while calling him a “disgrace“. Hovland has now come in support of Rahm and claimed it was silly to criticize someone for leaving.

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The Norwegian International has crossed paths with Rahm on several occasions. The two have been teammates with each other for Team Europe at the Ryder Cup and have enjoyed success together. He was quoted by Sports Illustrated as: 

It would be a bit silly to criticize the players for leaving... You only hear one angle in the media, and there are quite a few different parts happening at the same time here. I totally understand why he (Rahm) left. That’s a lot, a lot of money
Viktor Hovland on Jon Rahm’s move to LIV Golf.

Viktor Hovland blasts PGA Tour for poor management

The year 2023 was the most successful one in Viktor Hovland’s career. The Norwegian international claimed three wins with two back-to-back wins at the BMW Championship and the Tour Championship to claim the FedEx Cup. However, he does not seem too happy with the work behind the scenes and blasted the Tour for their poor management of things.

Jay Monhan and Viktor Hovland
Jay Monahan and Viktor Hovland (Pic Credit: Imago)

The PGA Tour and its commissioner Jay Monahan have been under the spotlight following the announcement of the merger. Several golfers raised their voices against the way this move was announced. Hovland has now taken a shot at his own tour and claimed they have not done a good job.

I’m not complaining about the position I’m in, and I’m very grateful for everything. But the management has not done a good job. They almost see the players as labor, and not as part of the members.
Viktor Hovland on PGA Tour management through Discovery Golf/Fore Podcast.

The Tour is now looking for investors and is in talks with Fenway Sports Group (FSG) to invest in the merger deal. They have time till December 31 to finalize the deal. As time ticks down quickly, there could be some massive updates on the way in the upcoming days regarding this.

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