Jon Rahm taking break from public events after LIV Golf jump

Jon Rahm has determined to put low and keep away from public occasions till February after agreeing to leap from the PGA Tour to the LIV Golf in a big-money transfer.

In his first look Wednesday after signing with the circuit funded by Saudi Arabia’s Public Funding Fund, Rahm was stunned to seek out TV cameras at an occasion he was attending within the northern Spanish metropolis of Bilbao.

“I did not suppose there can be any cameras and that it might be a bit extra intimate,” Rahm informed a choose viewers on the Sociedad Bilbaina corridor who gave the impression to be outnumbered by media professionals.

Rahm, 29, of Spain, was there to obtain the Dama Bilbaina 2023 prize awarded by the non-public membership in recognition of his sporting profession.

“I’m underneath very strict directions to not do public occasions, which I’ve imposed on myself just a little bit for myself, and for the change I’ve given to the world of golf within the final week,” Rahm mentioned, giving a categorical “No!” when requested if he was planning to present an interview.

“There will likely be nothing till February. I am not allowed to.”

Considered one of golf’s hottest and charismatic figures, Rahm turned the largest identify to signal with LIV Golf since Australian Cameron Smith joined after profitable the 2022 Open Championship.

Sources informed ESPN that Rahm’s multiyear contract that’s price greater than $300 million and consists of partial possession of his new LIV Golf group.

LIV Golf League CEO and commissioner Greg Norman informed ESPN on Wednesday morning that a number of gamers have contacted LIV Golf officers to inquire in regards to the remaining spots on the group that Rahm will captain.

Rahm’s departure will likely be seen as one other huge blow to the PGA Tour, which has watched a lot of its stars defect to the breakaway league lured by huge paydays.

On Wednesday, Rahm described himself as a “regular particular person.”

“I do not take into account that what I do is far completely different and that I’m roughly vital than the remaining,” Rahm mentioned. “The one factor is that I am seen on TV proper now, and that is it. … Hopefully rather less so sooner or later.”

LIV Golf begins its third season at Mayakoba in Mexico from Feb. 2-4.

Data from ESPN’s Mark Schlabach and Reuters was used on this report.