Jon Rahm’s life sure extends beyond golf. Jon Rahm’s remarkable 2024 season continues, with the LIV Golf Individual title and events solidifying his position as the world’s highest-paid golfer. But now, with the arrival of his third child, Rahm’s balancing act is put to the test. With that, a question lingers: Will he prioritize family time and take paternity leave or keep his competitive edge sharp?
Not surprisingly, Rahm has already answered that question. He’s showing no signs of slowing down. Just last week, he competed in the Spanish Open, where he finished a close second after a thrilling playoff defeat. Moreover, this impressive performance came mere days after welcoming his third child, a baby girl, with his wife Kelley on September 24. Remarkably, Rahm returned to the greens just 48 hours later, demonstrating his unwavering dedication to his craft.
Even before the baby’s arrival, Rahm had meticulously planned his schedule. Following the LIV Golf Chicago event, he envisioned a whirlwind few days: “It could be a case where I go home, deliver the baby, and then fly Tuesday or Wednesday to Madrid.” Despite the chaos, Rahm prioritized family time: “I probably would still try to go back home and spend some time with them before I’m gone for the other weeks.”
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His commitment to golf is unwavering, and his schedule proves it. He prioritized the Spanish Open, driven by patriotism and loyalty to Spanish golf. For him, participating in the Spanish Open goes beyond personal glory. “I’ve said many times, I don’t go to the Spanish Open for the glory or anything else,” he emphasized. “I think it’s my duty to play Spanish golf to be there, and I also want to play in Sotogrande.”
Polls of the day
Poll 1 of 6
Do you think Jon Rahm's decision to take paternity leave will affect his performance?
Yes, it will hurt his game
No, family comes first
It might actually help him
Not sure
What do you think was the most shocking part of the LIV golfer's first meeting with Tiger Woods?
Awkward comments
Tiger's reaction
Lack of preparation
Media fallout
Whats your Perspective on:
Jon Rahm taking paternity leave—Is he setting a new standard for work-life balance in sports?
Have an interesting take?
Do you think Johann Rupert's involvement in the PIF-PGA Tour merger is a game-changer for golf?
Absolutely
Not really
Too early to tell
It's a disaster
Do you think Brooks Koepka should be allowed to play in the Alfred Dunhill Links despite LIV Golf and DP World Tour hostilities?
Yes, he deserves it
No, it's unfair
Only if he leaves LIV Golf
I don't care
Do you think Phil Mickelson's move to LIV Golf has been beneficial for his career?
Absolutely
Not at all
Too early to tell
It's complicated
Furthermore, his upcoming schedule is packed, with the 2024 Alfred Dunhill Links Championship (October 3-6) and the Estrella Damm N.A. Andalucía Masters (October 17-20) is already locked in. Jon Rahm’s focus on golf remains unshakeable, even with the added joy of fatherhood. The sense of responsibility underscores Rahm’s deep connection to his roots and sport. However, his road to competing in the event and producing a top-class finish was not smooth.
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How did Jon Rahm clear the hurdles to compete in the DP World Tour?
After a dramatic standoff, Jon Rahm broke through the barriers to make his DP World Tour comeback. That made the Spanish Open—his first start since joining LIV Golf last December. But it wasn’t a smooth ride. The DP World Tour had slapped him with hefty fines for his Saudi-backed league collaboration, a whopping penalty that LIV Golf attempted to cover with a $15.75 million proposal.
What’s your perspective on:
Jon Rahm taking paternity leave—Is he setting a new standard for work-life balance in sports?
Have an interesting take?
But the Tour said no, and Rahm said, ‘Bring it on!’ Defiantly, he declared, “I don’t intend to pay the fines, and we keep trying to have a discussion with them about how we can make this happen.” The Spaniard refused to back down, and his determination paid off. He successfully appealed and postponed the decision until 2025.
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With the green light, he cruised back onto the DP World Tour, setting his sights on the Ryder Cup. However, to retain his DP World Tour membership, the LIV golfer had to play in at least three DP Tour events. Which he had planned to do. Rahm’s priorities have been set, but the impact on his family and golf legacy remains to be seen. Share what are your thoughts on his priorities in the comments section below.
Debate
Jon Rahm taking paternity leave—Is he setting a new standard for work-life balance in sports?