Jon Rahm 'not allowed' to make public appearances amid stunning LIV Golf move
Following Jon Rahm's departure to the Saudi-backed LIV Golf, the Spaniard said he could not make public appearances anymore.
Jon Rahm's Move to LIV Golf
Jon Rahm's move to LIV Golf has made him and his family incredibly wealthy for generations, but it has also come at a cost.
The two-time major champion, known for his eloquence, is not allowed to make public appearances at the moment, according to a report from Reuters.
Rahm stated, 'I am under very strict instructions not to do public events, which I have imposed on myself a little bit for myself, and for the change I have given to the world of golf in the last week. There will be nothing until February. I'm not allowed to.'
The Impact of LIV Golf
The Saudi-backed LIV Golf, funded by the sovereign wealth fund for the authoritarian Saudi Arabian Kingdom, has spent over $1 billion creating the league, which has become a strong competitor to the PGA Tour and has brought significant changes to men's professional golf.
Rahm's signing with LIV Golf, for a reported amount of over $400 million, is considered one of the most significant moves during the ongoing 'golf civil war'.
While it is unclear whether it was Rahm's decision or a requirement from LIV Golf, the fact remains that he is now restricted in his public appearances. Other LIV Golf players may also have interviews that need to be pre-approved.
Rahm in the Spotlight
Speaking about his restricted public appearances in Bilbao, Spain, near his hometown, Rahm expressed his surprise at the media presence when he received an award for his golfing excellence.
It is possible that Rahm's decision to limit his public appearances stems from his desire to take a break from media coverage following his highly-publicized move to LIV Golf. However, it is also likely that there are external forces influencing this decision.
Regardless of the reason, Rahm will have to remain low-key until the start of the 2024 LIV Golf season in February.
