(Image by: jonrahm)
A year on from his controversial decision to move away from the PGA Tour to join LIV, Jon Rahm is the toast of the breakaway league thanks to his superb performances.
Seen as the big recruit to help the LIV needle trend in the right direction, Greg Norman and the LIV hierarchy would have been delighted with how their star man has performed this year. Only missing the top ten once all year, Rahm stamped his class and authority on the field this past weekend as he powered his way to his second LIV title and with it the individual crown.
Now positioned as the star man on the LIV Tour, Rahm’s victory concludes an exciting season. Although LIV is now three years into its enterprise, never before have they loomed so large as a threat to the PGA Tour, here is a recap of the past weekend and what Rahm’s victory means for the rest of the professional game.
Rahm produces masterclass to ease to LIV Chicago crown
The final individual stop of the 2024 LIV season, heading into the event much of the pre-tournament buildup was focused on the battle between Jon Rahm and Joaquin Niemann. The only two players who were able to win LIV’s individual prize, the gap between the two was minimal and whoever finished ahead of the other was likely to be crowned the overall winner.
(Image by: jonrahm)
With not much to choose between the two after the first day of play, it was Niemann who held the early advantage as he headed into the second round holding a narrow one shot lead. However, the tide would quickly turn. Unable to get the putts to drop in a frustrating opening round, Rahm’s putter would get hot, and during the second round, Rahm would make a decisive move.
Able to keep his scorecard clean, Rahm would fire three birdies on the front nine and a further three on the back to take control. Starting the day one behind his rival, Niemann’s up and down round of 68 would see him lead the Chilean by three as the two headed into the final round.
With many believing that Rahm would be able to draw upon all of his vast experience of winning some of golf’s greatest prizes and so it proved to be as Rahm played some of the best golf of the year to clinch a stunning victory.
Unerringly accurate off both the tee and fairway, the Spaniard was constantly able to give himself scoring opportunities and ensured that the gap between him and Niemann wouldn’t close.
Making birdies on the third and sixth holes, a further birdie on the tenth and then the 17th would ensure that victory would be his. Managing to avoid trouble up the last hole, Rahm popped home a par putt to ensure that victory and the outright individual crown would be his.
Rahm’s fortunes could be hard for others to resist
Whilst money at the very top of the professional game isn’t short, Rahm’s success on the LIV Tour this year has taken golf’s finances to an entirely different level. Having signed for LIV for a reported $300 million, Rahm’s on course fortune has surpassed the $37 million mark and will make Rahm one of the highest paid sport stars on the planet.
Despite the best intentions of the PGA Tour trying to quash LIV and stop its best players from leaving, there is a feeling that LIV is just getting started. The broadcast and graphics has gone up a notch and there have been several tournaments this year that have gone right to the wire.
The one notable difference between this previous LIV season in comparison to others is that the on-course crowds have swelled and a real atmosphere has been present. LIV lives by the motto of ‘Golf but louder’ and this year LIV is starting to live up to that billing.
With LIV promising their players more time off and huge financial incentives, the millions that Rahm has won this season will certainly transcend to those on the PGA Tour.
As 2025 gears up to the biggest season in LIV history, you can be guaranteed that Greg Norman and the rest of the LIV board will be looking to swell their ranks even further. There are several names that are believed to be on their hit list and approaches are expected for Xander Schauffele, Patrick Cantlay, Viktor Hovland and according to some media outlets, many believe that talks with Rory McIlroy may resume.
As Rahm has shown this year, LIV can offer the promise of generational wealth and with LIV preparing to take on the golfing establishment once more, it would be a surprise if some of the best PGA players were wearing LIV colours next season.
(Image by: jonrahm)
Future looks murky for Bubba Watson
Due to the shotgun format of LIV, the Tour can’t facilitate big fields that are often seen on the PGA Tour which means that only 54 players can play each year. In order to make room for further big hitters there is a drop zone with those finishing within the bottom facing an uncertain future.
Without doubt the biggest name in this year’s drop zone was Bubba Watson. Currently one of the captains of the team the Range Goats, many felt that due to him being a captain his status within LIV would be safe, however, before the Chicago event it was announced that Watson would find himself in a vulnerable position.
Needing to produce a special weekend, Watson would end up fluffing his lines and a 42nd place finish wasn’t enough for him to ensure he would survive.
One of the original defectors, Watson took a big risk in becoming one of the first waves of players to play in the newly formed league. Many within the game believe that due to his status as captain, Watson might survive in the league and be given an exemption into next year’s league.
It will be one of the stories of the summer to watch out for as LIV will need to decide whether Watson will still have a place in the league or whether he will be replaced with someone new.
Jack Hartman
A keen golfer and huge fan of the game, Jack has been covering golf for the last five years. Bringing you all the latest coverage and news from the PGA, LIV, LPGA and DP World Tours, never before has golf been so popular and Jack can’t wait to bring all the excitement to his readers.
