LIV's signing of the world No3 and current Masters champion is their biggest coup since the start of the breakaway series. And it is a move which throws into doubt the future of a European talisman in the event.
Team-mate Rory McIlroy insisted the Ryder Cup eligibility rules would have to be rewritten in light of Rahm's defection, with golf's uneasy peace set to be tested in the coming weeks.
A December 31 deadline for a merger between the PGA and DP World Tours and Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, LIV Golf's paymasters, is fast approaching. And the signing of one of the two tours' biggest stars is a strong bargaining chip for PIF ahead of planned talks with the PGA Tour next week.
Rahm, one of the leading players in Europe's victory in Rome under captain Luke Donald in October, is adamant he wants to stay playing in the Ryder Cup, but realises that is no longer guaranteed after his LIV defection.
Denne historien er fra December 08, 2023-utgaven av Evening Standard.
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Denne historien er fra December 08, 2023-utgaven av Evening Standard.
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