One of the big questions golf fans continue to debate is just how impactful a move to LIV Golf is on a player’s career.
While Bryson DeChambeau and Joaquin Niemann have thrived in a lot of ways on LIV Golf, others such as Cameron Smith and Dustin Johnson seem to have seen their stock fall considerably since leaving the PGA Tour.
The case of Jon Rahm meanwhile is a fascinating one. The Spaniard was the current Masters champion when he decided to shock the world and make the move. He had also been Europe’s talisman at the Ryder Cup at Marco Simone.
Rahm has been superb on LIV. He won the individual title in his first season after winning twice. Meanwhile, it is quite incredible to think that the Legion XIII captain has missed out on the top 10 in just one LIV event – and he finished that week tied for 11th.
Realistically, Rahm is the only player who can prevent Niemann from winning the title this year.
What LIV Golf should be doing as Jon Rahm still awaits his first win of the season
But it should also be noted that Rahm has presented LIV with a golden opportunity this season – one that they perhaps have not taken full advantage of.
Rahm has not actually won this season. There is a very real danger that 2025 becomes the first year since 2016 which does not see the 30-year-old register a professional win.
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That is partially down to Rahm’s underwhelming year in the majors. But LIV should also be pointing out that the two-time major champion has only managed to finish on the podium twice in their events.
Some will feel that three top four finishes on LIV shows that Rahm’s game is in decline. However, Data Golf still lists Rahm as the third best male golfer in the world right now.
LIV should therefore be hammering the point home – their league is so strong at the top that the third best male player on the planet is unable to win, and only has two podiums.
The storyline LIV Golf should focus on as Joaquin Niemann closes in on the individual title
Obviously, that argument would not do much for the notion that LIV lacks real depth. But LIV is probably going to gain more traction if it focuses on the heavyweight battles fans could see at each event anyway. And Rahm is unquestionably one of the players the PGA Tour would not hesitate to welcome back with open arms.
It is not as though Rahm has completely lost his game. He had a great opportunity to win the PGA Championship on Sunday at Quail Hollow. And it is frightening to think that his worst result in nearly two years on LIV is tied for 11th.
There is definitely a discussion to be had over whether Rahm made the right decision for his career by joining LIV. But his motivation levels are not something that can be criticised; Rahm has faced criticism for his frustration boiling over this year.
LIV is fighting for credibility from the wider golfing public, with doubts persisting over how strong the league is. So they absolutely should be making more of the storyline that Rahm simply cannot win this year.
