Jon Rahm and PGA Tour event he loves both suffer from £450 million LIV Golf move

Jon Rahm was one of Mexico Open’s biggest supporters during his time on the PGA Tour, but the Spaniard is now banned from competing following his move to LIV Golf

Both Jon Rahm and the Mexico Open have felt the effects of the fractured relationship between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf on the back of his mega-money move.

Rahm became arguably LIV’s biggest coup yet last December, after signing a record-breaking deal worth a reported £450 million. Making the Saudi switch came at a cost for the Masters champion though, after he followed in the footsteps of Phil Mickelson and co in being banned from the PGA Tour.

The Spanish star is no doubt a big loss for the American-based circuit, having announced himself as one of the best players on the planet during his time on Tour.

In his eight years with the PGA Tour, Rahm won 11 times including two major titles at the 2021 U.S. Open and 2023 Masters. One of his favourite wins came in the year in between the green jacket winner’s major triumphs, after winning the Mexico Open at Vidanta Vallarta in 2022.

Speaking about his admiration for the event when returning as defending champion last April, Rahm said: “This in itself, even though there’s competition, you’re in such a relaxing spot, great resort, great amenities, great food, great people, great weather. There’s a lot worse places to be than this one. I’m glad to be back and I’m glad to be in good form this year.”

Days later the European star came within three shots of defending his title, after finishing in second behind 2023 champion, Tony Finau. The PGA Tour is back in Mexico this week, but it is of course doing so without the addition of its most distinguished winner in Rahm on the back of his recent ban.