Rahm: “Having someone out of the conflict could help improve the LIV-PGA situation”

Jon Rahm believe that the decision of LIV Golf to replace Greg Norman together Scott O’Neil as the new CEO he will give the Saudi circuit a “less threatening image” and will improve its position amid negotiations for an investment deal with rival PGA Tour. This was said after his participation in Dubai, in a DP World Tour tournament that he did not pass the cut.

“Unfortunately, there was a bit of bad blood, possibly too much, between Greg and perhaps the governing bodies”said Rahm, who joined LIV in December 2023, “and having someone outside of it can help improve the situation.” O’Neil is CEO of Merlin Entertainments and manages business operations for the company’s more than 140 attractions. He was previously CEO of Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment, which includes the NBA’s Philadelphia 76ers and the NHL’s New Jersey Devils.

As LIV Golf returns next month for its fourth season, O’Neil’s priority is likely to find a solution in talks between the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund (the financial sponsor of LIV) and the PGA Tour. PGA Tour Enterprises and PIF are in talks about the possibility of the Saudi sovereign wealth fund becoming a minority investor, although it’s not yet clear how that would affect the two leagues or any path to bringing together golf’s best players after a bitter division.

“I think having an outsider (I say outsider because they weren’t involved) can be a very good thing when it comes to sitting at the table with other governing bodies,” Rahm said. “I think an outside perspective would also help, and possibly a less threatening image”Spanish taught.