PGA Tour gives Jon Rahm what he asked for with new changes

Jon Rahm knew it sounded trivial, but his request was simple. 

“I can tell you right now my priorities are a lot lower than what a lot of people would think,” the Masters champion said three months ago when asked about how the PGA Tour could improve.

Rahm, who bunkered.co.uk understands has now opened talks to join LIV Golf, was incessant about one particular change.

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“I know this is going to sound very stupid, but as simple as having a freaking port-a-potty on every hole,” he stressed.

“It sounds crazy, but I can’t choose when I have to go to the bathroom. I’ve told the Tour this many times, as simple as that.”

The PGA Tour has implemented radical changes to its schedule and prize structure in the past 18 months to stop its biggest stars like Rahm leaving for the Saudi-funded LIV breakaway.

But Rahm, one of the US circuit’s biggest earners, was, at that stage, most concerned about its attention to detail.

“I’ve mentioned many times making the Tour better for the players, and I mean that,” he said. “The very basic things they can do in tournaments to make them all as good as they can be is where I’d like to see some changes. It’s not usually what’s on people’s minds.”

Now, as rumours swirl about a hugely lucrative LIV contract, the PGA Tour has appeared to (almost) give Rahm exactly what he asked for.

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The Tour is requiring tournaments to make a number of enhancements to benefit players in 2024, including an increase in the number of player restrooms. 

Sports Business Journal‘s Josh Carpenter has revealed details of a PGA Tour memo on Wednesday, just hours after the Rahm to LIV rumours ignited,  which shows that event hosts will now be required to have a minimum of eight ‘relief stations’ across 18 holes.

It is noted that each location must have two restrooms at each station, meaning there will be 16 across the course on all tournaments in the 2024 schedule.

Rahm also asked for the physio areas to “be a little bit better” back in August. In that regard, his circuit has now made it a priority to introduce Cold Plunge Recovery tubs at every events to help with inflammation and recovery.

Among various other improvements to tournaments aimed at helping players and caddies, there will be a complimentary courtesy car program and fixed locations for families on the course at every event.

Finally, Rahm wanted more consistency in the quality of nutrition available, stating: “I would like to see that more across the board at every single tour event.”

Tournament bosses, meanwhile, have now been encouraged to “revaluate the food and beverage programs they are currently implementing” to help players maximise performance and recovery.

Steps are evidently being made to improve the overall player experience on the PGA Tour.

The ball, it appears, is now in the Spaniard’s court.

Ben Parsons joined bunkered as a Content Producer in 2023 and is the man to come to for all of the latest news, across both the professional and amateur games. Formerly of The Mirror and Press Association, he is a member at Halifax Golf Club and is a long-suffering fan of both Manchester United and the Wales rugby team.