Jon Rahm explains reason for leaving TGL

Masters champion Jon Rahm has detailed why he left the TGL golf league last week.

The Spaniard abruptly withdrew from Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy’s indoor venture, which is set to begin in January.

Ahead of the DP World Tour Championship, Rahm argued competing would take away from what he ‘should be doing’.

He said: “I don’t know if I can be clearer than the statement I put out.

“It’s just a time commitment, I can’t really commit to that right now. It’s quite a bit of extra hours flying, quite a bit of extra time being away from home.

“And at the same time of having just redone a lot of my deals, (I’ve) got to think of my sponsors, as well.

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“So, it would have been a bit more of a commitment than I expected at first.”

The 29-year-old released a statement after withdrawing to tell fans he was ‘sad’ to leave the Monday night league, which he still believes is a ‘great opportunity’.

TGL also released a statement to confirm Rahm’s exit.

It read: “Jon is one of the most talented players in the game and we will miss him during the inaugural TGL season.

“We understand that players have to balance a lot of different facets of their professional and personal lives and respect Jon’s choice and wish him well.”

The league also confirmed Rahm’s replacement to fill the 24-player roster will be announced imminently.

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It sparked rumours Rahm could be on the move, as he has been heavily linked with the Saudi-backed LIV Golf league.

But after Rory McIlroy announced he will represent Boston Common Golf, the Northern Irishman backed Rahm to stay loyal.

He said: “I spoke to Jon a couple days ago and would be very, very surprised if that were to happen.

“I’m pretty confident Jon is a PGA Tour player.”

Patrick Cantlay was the latest player to sign for a team, as the American announced he is a part of Atlanta Drive GC.

John Turnbull A graduate of the University of Stirling, John joined the bunkered team in 2023 as a Content Producer, with a responsibility for covering all breaking news, tour news, grassroots content and much more besides. A keen golfer, he plays the majority of his golf at Falkirk Golf Club. Top of his 'bucket list' is a round of Pebble Beach... ideally in the company of Gareth Bale.