Jon Rahm Says He Doesn't Deserve Payment For Sticking With PGA Tour

JON RAHM says that he doesn’t feel he deserves a payment from the PGA Tour just because he did not defect to to LIV Golf.

The 28-year-old Spaniard landed his second major in April with his Masters triumph and has won $15m this season.

He could be in line for another payout after the peace deal between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf with discussions taking place over a loyalty dividend to players such as Rahm who turned down the Saudi cash.

Rahm, though, is uncomfortable over the idea of being paid retrospectively for staying.

“I understand the PGA Tour wanting to do something for those players who helped and stayed on the PGA Tour but at the same time I wasn’t forced into anything. It was my choice to stay. Do I think they absolutely should be and there must be compensation? No. I just stayed because I think it’s the best choice for myself and for the golf I want to play,” he said.

“Now, with that said, if they want to do it, I’m not going to say no!

“But I already make an amazing living doing what I do. I’m extremely thankful and that all happened because of the platform the PGA Tour provided me with.

“As far as I’m concerned they’ve done enough for me and their focus should be on improving the PGA Tour and the game of golf for future generations.”

(Image Credit: Kevin Diss Photography)

In the meantime, Rahm is focusing on trying to win The Open at Royal Liverpool to make it a special time for Spanish sport after his compatriot, Carlos Alcaraz won the Wimbledon men’s singles title at the weekend.

After watching Alcaraz winon Sunday, Rahm wants to make his own piece of sporting history for his country after finishing third at Royal St George’s two years ago. 

And just as his young compatriot has used the achievements of Rafa Nadal as inspiration in his short career, Rahm will be drawing upon those of three-times Open champion Seve Ballesteros.  

Rahm said: “When you have the right people to look up to, it’s a little bit easier to get there. 

“For Carlos to grow up watching Rafa do what he did - it doesn’t make it easier but it makes you want to be the next. When it comes to golf, we’ve had incredible reference points as well. To be the first one to win an Open since Seve for Spain would be quite special.”