Sign in Subscribe
Golf tournaments

LIV Golf Defection Hurting Jon Rahm's Performance at Majors, Says Paul McGinley

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Renowned Ryder Cup captain Paul McGinley has expressed concern that Jon Rahm's departure from the PGA Tour to join LIV Golf has negatively impacted his performance at major championships. According to McGinley, Rahm's decision to switch has resulted in a decline in his major tournament results. Despite earning a significant sum of money from his move to LIV Golf, estimated at around £225m, McGinley believes the lower standard of play at LIV events and a lack of focus on the sport have contributed to Rahm's struggles.

Key Takeaways:

  • Paul McGinley believes Jon Rahm's performances in majors since joining LIV Golf have been disappointing due to the lower standard of play and a general relaxation in player efforts.
  • Rahm's decision to join LIV Golf has resulted in a decline in his major tournament results, with only one top-10 finish in his last four major appearances.
  • Approximately 55% of Rahm's previous 22 major appearances ended in top-10 finishes, whereas since joining LIV Golf, he has managed this only once in four major tournaments.
  • McGinley praised Brooks Koepka and Bryson DeChambeau for their continued success at the highest level despite joining LIV Golf.
  • Dustin Johnson and Cameron Smith have also seen their presence at major championships dwindle since departing the PGA Tour.
  • The LIV Golf defectors set to compete at the PGA Championship this weekend include Rahm, DeChambeau, Koepka, Smith, Johnson, Phil Mickelson, and Joaquin Niemann.

Statistics:

  • 55% of Jon Rahm's previous 22 major appearances ended in top-10 finishes.
  • 12 out of Jon Rahm's previous 22 major appearances ended in top-ten finishes.
  • 18 consecutive major cuts by Rahm were ended by his performance at last year's PGA Championship at Valhalla.
  • Only one top-10 finish by Jon Rahm in his last four major appearances.
  • £225m estimated amount earned by Jon Rahm from his move to LIV Golf.

Sources:

  • The Mirror US
  • Golf Channel
  • Manuel Velasquez, Getty Images
  • JUNG YEON-JE/AFP via Getty Images
  • Phil Inglis/Getty Images

Read more