Seve Ballesteros’ son responds to Jon Rahm’s LIV move

As golf continues to reel from Jon Rahm’s decision to join LIV Golf, the son of the greatest Spanish golfer of all time has weighed in his compatriot’s move.

Javier Ballesteros, son of the late Seve Ballesteros, has taken to social media to give his thoughts on reigning Masters champion Rahm making a reported $450m switch to the Saudi-funded league.

Ballesteros Jnr, who had a brief stint as tour pro himself, defended Rahm’s right to join LIV and insisted that how he plays, not where he plays, will define the world No.3’s legacy.

“I am not a huge fan of LIV but also not a detractor as I think in a few years it will be good for golf,” wrote Ballesteros.

• Rory McIlroy calls for Ryder Cup change after Rahm’s LIV move

• Tour winner “won’t follow” Rahm’s LIV Golf progress

“History and tradition are very important but also bringing new things the spectators and spectacle.

“Everybody is free to express its opinion about Rahm’s move but c’mon! Golfers should play wherever they want and Rahm has earned the right to choose where and when to play.

“At the end of the day, he will be remembered for the majors and the Ryder Cup. And he will definitely be remembered.

“Huge fan of Jon, now and always!”

bunkered.co.uk reported last month that two-time major champion Rahm was in talks with LIV, with news of his decision to join being made official last night.

“I am proud to join LIV Golf and be part of something new that is bringing growth to the sport,” said the Spaniard. “I have no doubt that this is a great opportunity for me and my family and am very excited for the future.”

• Golf ball rollback: Governing bodies announce major rule change

• Opinion: Golf ball rollback is unpopular – but it’s the best option

Speaking to Fox News after the announcement, he added: “Things have changed a lot in the game of golf over the past two years and I’ve seen the growth of LIV Golf and the innovation.

“That’s why I’m here today. This decision was made for many reasons and what I thought was best for me. Don’t get me wrong, it’s a great deal.

“I’ve been very happy but there is a lot of things that LIV Golf has to offer that were very enticing. It was a great offer. The money is great, obviously it’s wonderful.

“What I said before is true: I do not play golf for the money. I play golf for the love of the game and for the love of golf.

“But, as a husband, as a father and as a family man I have a duty to my family to give them the best opportunities and the most amount of resources possible and that is where that comes in.

“I’m no stranger to hearing some negative things on social media or in media. It’s part of what it is, we’re public figures but you just learn to deal with it right? This certainly won’t define who I am or change who I am.”

Michael McEwan is the Deputy Editor of bunkered and has been part of the team since 2004. In that time, he has interviewed almost every major figure within the sport, from Jack Nicklaus, to Rory McIlroy, to Donald Trump. The host of the multi award-winning bunkered Podcast and a member of Balfron Golfing Society, Michael is the author of three books and is the 2023 PPA Scotland 'Writer of the Year' and 'Columnist of the Year'. Dislikes white belts, yellow balls and iron headcovers. Likes being drawn out of the media ballot to play Augusta National.

Deputy Editor