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Did Sergio Garcia Convince Jon Rahm to Join LIV Golf? 44-Year-Old Spaniard Finally Clears the Air

Published 03/09/2024, 9:45 AM EST

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Ever since Jon Rahm announced his surprising move to LIV Golf, there has been a buzz of speculation. The reasons behind his move couldn’t be clearer: more money, fewer games, and more. However, the person behind his move has remained a mystery. While fans have speculated that his close friend Phil Mickelson or the 2023 PGA Championship winner Brooks Koepka had lots to do with it, many have also thrown the Spaniard Sergio Garcia‘s name into the mix.

It is not that far-fetched to think Garcia played a pivotal role in Rahm’s decision to join the controversial league; after all, they were close, thanks to their national bond. But was that actually the case? Well, the 44-year-old Spaniard himself had lots to say about it recently when he opened up about having “chats” with the reigning Masters champion.

Sergio Garcia certainly played a part in Jon Rahm joining LIV

In an interview with Golf Magic Sergio Garcia’s recent comments have offered a glimpse into the dynamics between him and Rahm amidst the rampant speculation. When asked about how he felt about having Rahm aboard and whether he had anything to do with it, he claimed it was not as simple as it was being made out to be. “We did have a couple of chats,” claimed the golf veteran, talking about a time before the 2-time major winner joined them, but adding that it was normal for them.

While Garcia admitted to talking about the league with LIV’s now-main man, he also made it clear that it was minimal. Garcia and Rahm share a bond beyond the greens of a course, and as the veteran revealed, they often exchange texts and have conversations about their personal lives.

Hence, in the times when the young Spaniards LIV rumors were at their peak, on more than one occasion they subtly touched upon the new league. “Obviously, he wasn’t like; he didn’t sign yet when I talked to him and when the rumors were going on. He couldn’t really talk about it, but we had chats about the league and stuff like that,” Garcia revealed.

via Imago

Making it clear that there was more to Rahm joining the Saudi-backed side than just his own opinion, Garcia also expressed his excitement for the former PGA Tour star now playing alongside him again and “enjoying” playing there.

Garcia is overjoyed to see the young Spaniard enjoying his time at LIV

“It’s great to have him on board; it’s a huge signing for us, and he’s a big asset for LIV,” said the 44-year-old in the interview. “It’s nice to have him here in the league.” He further added that he was glad that Rahm was “enjoying golf” there.

With the different way in which the game is played on the Tour, it certainly was not guaranteed that the former PGA Tour star would take a liking to it. But clearly, it all worked out well! Rahm himself, too, has mentioned loving playing in the new league and being pitted against some of the best players in the world.

Although he’s still settling into the Saudi-side league, the updates make it clear that he hasn’t chosen wrongly or has any regrets. And as for the person behind that move, it’s still a mystery if there is one main man. Undoubtedly, however, his decision was influenced by a myriad of factors, and Garcia’s support was surely one piece of that puzzle!

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Written by:

Aryan Sharma

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Aryan Sharma is a Golf Writer at EssentiallySports. He shares an immense passion for the sport and is of the strong opinion that Tiger Woods deserves the title of GOAT for all he has accomplished in golf. Aryan is also an expert in all things Bryson DeChambeau and has covered niche stories about the golfer’s needs and wants, especially his desire to play on the PGA Tour once more.
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Edited by:

Sheldon Pereira

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