Jon Rahm Not Mentioned in AmEx Field, Further Fueling LIV Defect Rumors

Jon Rahm was not included in the field of players who will participate in January’s American Express at La Quinta Country Club in La Quinta, California, further fueling rumors of his potential defect to LIV Golf.

Rahm won the 2023 American Express, but in a strange turn of events, he has not committed to the event, and during today’s Media Day for the tournament, the Spaniard was not present on the list of participating players.

To make matters more speculative, Xander Schauffele, Patrick Cantlay, and Tony Finau, who have all been rumored to be joining LIV Golf as well, were listed as commitments for the tournament:

World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler will headline the field at this year’s @theamexgolf, announced today at Media Day.

Others include:
– Patrick Cantlay
– Xander Schauffele
– Tony Finau
– Tom Kim@KESQ @PGATOUR @PGAWESTGOLF @LaQuintaCA pic.twitter.com/TS4Xd1gl6d

— Blake Arthur (@BlakeArthur24) December 5, 2023

Over the past few weeks, Rahm’s name has been a popular one among the list of players who could potentially leave the PGA Tour for LIV Golf. Rahm is arguably the best player in the world right now, although Scottie Scheffler has been #1 on the Official World Golf Ranking for the better part of the past three seasons.

Rahm encapsulates a tremendous asset to the Tour and it would be a monumental loss for it if he decides to leave. Two weeks ago, it was first reported by Flushing It that Rahm was mulling a move to LIV, and last week, things took a turn when his silence made more noise than a public statement would have. A reported $600 million figure and rumors of an imminent announcement have taken the golf world by storm.

Jon Rahm to LIV Golf is a done deal and will be announced next week, report claims

The newest reports state Rahm will get his own team on LIV, but there is still a lot to be confirmed. If this is any indication, things are looking like the Spaniard will take on a new challenge this upcoming season, and it could be a monumental blow to the Tour if it ultimately comes through.

Jon Rahm’s move to LIV is expected to be announced in the coming days. There will not be any immediate major changes to the format of the league and Jon will be getting his own team. https://t.co/XvYyCqtfo2

— Flushing It (@flushingitgolf) December 5, 2023

“Jon Rahm is one of the biggest assets that we have on the PGA TOUR. So it would be a really, really not very good for us in general because we want to play against the best players in the world and that's what Jon is," Jordan Spieth said about the rumors last week. "I know there's been some guys that have talked to him. I know he's maybe weighing some decisions, maybe not. I really don't know, so I don't want to insult him and say he's weighing decisions if he already knows he's not or he is. You know, that's somewhat out of my control in a way.”

Rahm is the reigning Masters Champion and won four times in total last year.

Cover Image via ESPN