Following the news of the recent merger involving the PGA Tour, DP World Tour and the Saudi PIF, current world number two, Jon Rahm has revealed that many PGA Tour players feel quite betrayed over the action. The Spaniard revealed that he, like other players, got their first news of the merger from texts. 

News of the merger broke last week and it set the golfing world on fire. For many, such a merger seemed impossible, given the attitude of the PGA Tour, led by Jay Monahan. In fact, the attitude of the PGA is part of the reason why the US Senate is currently investigating the merger, as it said, “…the PGA Tour’s sudden and drastic reversal of position concerning LIV Golf raises serious questions”.

At this point, the merger is simply news as it has not reflected in the structure of the game. For now, there has been no word on how things would be dealt with going forward, such as if LIV Invitational players would be allowed to play in PGA Tour events and vice versa.  This has led to confusion, not just to those on the outside. 

Rahm revealed that many of the players felt betrayed over the news and disliked the uncertainty it had created. He also said that the players have a lot of questions without answers forthcoming. 

The feeling of betrayal is, frankly, expected. Many of these players, including Rahm, turned down juicy offers to join the LIV. It was reported that Rahm himself refused $200m and chose to stick with the PGA instead. So at the end of the day, it looks like the players stuck around for nothing, especially if LIV players are allowed to play in PGA events, which would most likely happen. The winners from all of this are the players who joined the LIV, since they got hefty financial rewards, and still have a chance to get back in the PGA. 

But it is a bit too early to conclude what’s what just yet. In the coming weeks, we would have a clearer idea of just how much PGA players have been betrayed, as well as how the merger would be structured.

Leon Osamor