Masters champion Jon Rahm is calling for a major change to the LIV Golf League. He wants the tour to move to a 72-hole format, believing it could be a “tipping point” in the battle for the future of men’s golf.
Rahm is gearing up to defend his Augusta title this week. At the recent LIV event in Miami, he finished fourth while leading his team to victory. But the Spaniard thinks LIV needs to adapt to help unify the sport.
This year’s Masters will gather all the world’s top players. Yet, the men’s game remains divided as the PGA Tour explores a deal with LIV’s Saudi backers.
Rahm, once a LIV critic, now believes the 72-hole change could be the solution. “If LIV went to 72 holes, it would help this argument a lot,” he said.
The Spaniard’s high-profile move to LIV has been seen as a pivotal moment. Rahm agrees, stating his decision could be a “tipping point” given his major champion status.
Rahm points to the 2023 agreement between the PIF and golf’s top tours as a turning point. He felt “betrayed” by this development at the time.
Despite the off-course drama
However, Rahm now believes this opened the door for him to join LIV. “If the tours are open to working together, that allowed me to do the same,” he explained.
Despite the off-course drama, Rahm will laser-focus on defending his Masters crown. He vividly recalls his unusual start last year, opening with a double bogey.
Rahm dismisses the notion that LIV lacks the intensity of the PGA Tour. “Once the tournament starts, I forget I’ve only played 54 holes,” he said.
The Spaniard is excited about the privileges of being a defending champion. He looks forward to hosting a Basque-themed champions dinner at Augusta.
Rahm’s bold call for LIV format changes could have major implications. As the golf world watches closely, the defending Masters champion is determined to triumph again at Augusta.
