Jon Rahm ‘pushing’ for major change to LIV Golf schedule

Jon Rahm is pushing LIV Golf to make a change that will boost his Open chances.

The two-time major winning Spaniard finished in a tie for seventh at Royal Troon last week after a late Sunday charge in south Ayrshire.

He might have got closer to Xander Schauffele’s leading tally, though, if the LIV Golf schedule featured one significant change.

That is according to the man himself, who is ready to chat with the Saudi-backed circuit’s management over the idea.

“I’m pushing for it,” he told Golf Digest at LIV Golf UK, when sharing his hopes to have a links golf event held in the buildup to The Open.

“There’s so much that goes into adjusting to links golf; getting used to the greens and the ball reacting on the ground.

“I didn’t think about it until after [Troon], but it’s undeniable how much it helps to play a links golf course the week before the Open.”

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That’s where Rahm believes many of his PGA Tour and DP World Tour counterparts were at an advantage last week, having prepared at the Genesis Scottish Open in East Lothian.

Schauffele finished T15 at The Renaissance Club, whilst Adam Scott finished second and Sungjae Im in a tie for fourth.

The Australian and South Korean both placed inside the top ten at The Open.

A links event won’t feature in LIV’s 2025 schedule, Rahm understands, but that’s not preventing the 29-year-old from exploring the possibilities soon.

“Obviously, LIV management have contracts in place with some venues and plans in the future,” he said.

“It’s not as easy as it sounds to just say, ‘Well, let’s do this.’

“It’d be something I would like to talk to other players [on LIV] about because that way, there’s strength in numbers if five, six or 10 solid players [agree]. I think a lot of people might agree with it.”

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So, where could the event take place?

Well, Rahm has left no stones unturned in his bid to make the change.

“I love Ireland,” Rahm said, when it was suggested.

“I’ve always felt really welcome in Ireland. It feels like home and some of the most fun rounds of golf I’ve ever played are there and there are some great venues.

“So yeah, if there was an opportunity for LIV Golf to play in Ireland it would be absolutely fantastic.”

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.