It’s already been a month since Jon Rahm’s LIV Golf defection. However, the comment on his move has not stopped. A few days ago, Rory McIlroy said that Rahm’s move was a ‘smart business move’. Everyone in the golf fraternity was shocked to witness McIlroy’s change of heart, and he even got a lot of backlash. Now, coming forward with his stern remarks, and a message for the new LIV golfer, is none other than Rahm’s fellow Spaniard, Sergio Garcia.

The 2017 Masters winner sort of gave a reality check to the golf world about Rahm’s $566 move and talked about how the blow of defection was softened because he along with others took the hard blow first.

Sergio Garcia delves in a fierce reality check for Jon Rahm

Recently, the 44-year-old sat in an interview with the Standard and shared his opinion on various things including the latest addition of LIV Golf. The golfer did not shy away from telling the brutal truth, and said, “[Rahm] should probably thank us a little bit.” You may be wondering what should the 2023 Masters champion thank his fellow LIV golfers.

Well as per Garcia, it is because he and other defectors were “the first ones we would take some heat,” from the golf fraternity. It is indeed true, since when the news of defection started coming out back in 2022, the players were called many things by many people, fans and fellow golfers alike.

However, the diffеrеncе in rеaction between Jon Rahm and other golfers who joined the Nomran-lead circuit initial days is because LIV Golf has proven itself to be a supеrior product. The one-time Major Champion believes that after riding the “wave of criticism.” pеoplе arе starting to sее thе rеality of LIV Golf and have started ‘believing‘ in it.

One person who also showed his belief in the breakaway league has a slightly different stance on Rahm’s defection. He is none other than Phil Mickelson, who thinks his move is a ‘bridge‘ for LIV Golfers.

Jon Rahm may be a medium for LIV golfers, Phil Mickelson thinks so

Lefty was one of the very few people who trusted in the Saudi-backed league and eventually became a LIV Golf advocate. He has always proudly supported the LIV’s product, and has not shied away to share his thoughts. A couple of days ago, the 53-year-old said on the Pat McAfee Show and talked about a lot of things, including Rahm’s move.

Also Read: After His LIV Golf Defection, Jon Rahm Expresses ‘Utmost Respect’ for Rory McIlroy as His Biggest Fear Gets a Relieving Remedy

As per him, the Spaniard’s move to the other side will be very helpful as it has the potential to “create a bridge and an opportunity for” everyone “to come together” and play in big events referencing the Ryder Cup. “He opened the door for us to start to work together,” said Mickelson.

Speaking of the Ryder Cup, Rahm is pretty much eligible to play in it in the coming years unless there is a change in rules, as he applied for the DPWT membership a month before his defection. Notably, Gracia has also decided to reapply for membership after resigning last year. He is also ready to pay the outstanding fine, but the issue of suspension remains an important one.

It will be interesting to see how it goes for the LIV golfer. What are your thoughts on ‘Rahm being the bridge’? Do you think that Garcia is correct that he, along with others, took the hard criticism first, and the blow has softened now? Let us know in the comments below!