Jon Rahm was heavily criticised for claiming that the established tours might have done more to introduce golf to Australia.
According to Jon Rahm, established tours ‘should have made a stronger effort’ to bring golf to Australia.
The Spaniard made the remark during an interview with Australian Golf Digest ahead of the breakaway event in Adelaide.
Rahm will tee it up for the first time since a dismal showing at the 2024 Masters.
The 29-year-old barely made the cut but was no match for the defending champion.
His off-course comments at the first major of the year received more attention than his performance.
First, he disclosed that some PGA Tour players blanked him at Augusta National.
Some golf fans chastised him for speaking out against the tournament organisers.
Rahm said he ‘wasn’t sure why we were out there’ as gusts in Georgia began to blow at 30-35 mph during round two.
The golfer also chastised other competitors in the field for their speed of play.
Rahm’s latest ideas on introducing golf to Australia will undoubtedly gain traction.
Rahm believes the PGA Tour and DP World Tour might have tried harder.
There is little doubt that LIV Golf Adelaide was one of the breakaway’s most successful events in 2023.
When asked if Australia had been forgotten by the world tours, Rahm told AGD:
“It’s easy to say yes, but keep in mind that Australia isn’t the most accessible country.
“But I believe there could have been more effort made.
“I remember growing up watching the Australian Open, Australian Masters, and Australian PGA, which were all major competitions that drew the top players.
“When I first started playing professionally, it wasn’t something that players did. I am perfectly aware that Jack Nicklaus has won six Australian Opens and Gary Player has won seven.
“It’s something that’s engraved in history and I’m glad I’m now going to be part of playing golf in Australia.”
A number of golf fans on X were eager to respond to Rahm’s most recent remarks.
It was pointed out that Rahm never took the decision to tee up in the events he mentioned.
He last played in Australia for the 2016 World Cup, years before he became a household name.
One person commented: “Yeah he loves the Australian Open so much… how many has he played in?”
Another commented, “This had me laughing so hard. It just took billions of cash from someone else, and the players are contractually bound to go.”
This individual twisted the knife and said, “This is poetic. How many times has Rahm played in Australia?
Rahm has yet to win on LIV but is currently ranked second in the 2024 standings after five events.
LIV Golf Adelaide will take place on April 26-28 at The Grange Golf Club.
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