Ryder Cup hero 'in talks' to join Jon Rahm's new LIV Golf team

12/12/2023 Golf

Ryder Cup hero ‘in talks’ to become first signing for Jon Rahm’s new LIV Golf team – after Spaniard signed $500m deal to defect to Saudi-backed breakaway

  • Rahm could be bringing an English Ryder Cup teammate with him to LIV Golf 
  • Another huge name – an American player – could also defect to the Saudi league 
  • DailyMail.com provides all the latest international sports news 

After Spanish golfer Jon Rahm announced his shock defection to LIV Golf, it’s been revealed that he could be taking one of his Ryder Cup teammates with him.

Rahm, this year’s Masters champion and a key contributor to Team Europe’s Ryder Cup victory in Rome, recently agreed to join the Saudi-backed league for a whopping $500m deal.

But now that he’s there, there are reports that he could be bringing someone from the British Isles along with him.

Reports from Golf WRX indicate that English golfer Tyrrell Hatton could be the next up in the exodus of golfers moving away from the PGA Tour.

Rahm is getting set to create a new LIV team – and reports say that Hatton could be off to join him.

After bolting for LIV Golf, Jon Rahm may be bringing one of his Ryder Cup teammates too

Another name being batted around is American star Tony Finau – who could leave to  either join a team or make his own.

Hatton starred for Team Europe in both the 2018 and 2023 editions of the Ryder Cup – with the Englishman putting up a 3-0-1 record at Marco Simone Golf Club in Rome this past fall. 

This rumor is notable as Hatton has signed with the now-delayed TGL league – getting drafted to Boston Common Golf alongside Rory McIlroy, Keegan Bradley, and Adam Scott.

TGL’s first season is set to be delayed a year after rough weather led to damage at the still-being-built indoor facility which will host matches in south Florida.

When Rahm’s deal was announced, it was rumored that he could join Fireballs GC – captained by fellow Spaniard Sergio Garcia and featuring Spanish speaking golfers Abraham Ancer, Carlos Ortiz, and Eugenio Chacarra.

But instead, Rahm will form his own team and will get an ownership stake as a part of the deal.

It’s unknown who will be a part of Rahm’s squad or what the name of the team will be.

Rahm seemed drawn to LIV by the team aspect and hopes that he can help grow the sport in his native Spain.

Reports suggest that Tyrrell Hatton may be set to sign with Rahm’s LIV Golf team

Those same reports say that Tony Finau could also make a dash for the Saudi-backed league

Rahm, 2023’s Masters champion, was drawn to LIV Golf by its team aspect

‘I don’t think it’s spoken about enough. I think you have some of the best players in the world who are also now leaders of their own teams, partners of the league, in a massive business that’s global and ever-growing,’ said Rahm. 

‘So, it’s an aspect of the game that I myself looked over, and now it’s a reality. I can’t wait to get into it, learn more, and hopefully evolve my team and my brand.

He continued: ‘I myself, growing up, being a massive Athletic Bilbao fan, realized that has a bit of an appeal, right? 

‘Much more than I gave it credit for, even in golf. It’s something that I’m passionate about and something that hopefully I can learn a lot about and improve.’

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