Jon Rahm will not compete in Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy’s inaugural TGL season after admitting the innovative event requires “a level of commitment that I can’t offer”.
The Spaniard’s name was removed from the TGL website on Wednesday evening, sparking speculation among fans that the Masters champion may be considering a move to LIV Golf.
But Rahm and the TGL have now confirmed his absence and the reason the two-time major winner will join fellow stars Jordan Spieth and Scottie Scheffler by opting out of the new indoor golf league.
While Rahm didn’t go into details, the 28-year-old lives in Arizona, with the TGL located in Florida each Monday from January, which could place extra strain on players commuting from out of state.
Rahm said: “I am sad to confirm that I will not be participating in the first TGL season.
“While I still think it’s a great opportunity, right now it would require a level of commitment that I can’t offer. Best of luck to everyone envolved and may the best team win!”
A TGL statement said: “Jon is one of the most talented players in the game and we will miss him during the inaugural TGL season. We understand that players have to balance a lot of different facets of their professional and personal lives and respect Jon's choice and wish him well.
“TGL will name a new player to fill the 24-player roster soon.”
Rahm is good friends with compatriot Sergio Garcia, who is the captain of the Spanish language-speaking team Fireballs GC, with Abraham Ancer, Carlos Ortiz and Eugenio Chacarra also on their roster.
The TGL is a tech-infused golf league that will see 18 of the world’s best golfers compete in events held in a custom-built arena in Florida. The format will use golf simulators for some aspects with the hope of offering fans a shorter, different golf viewing experience.
The project is in partnership with the PGA Tour but has received funding from a host of celebrity investors including Lewis Hamilton, Lebron James, Justin Beiber, Shaquille O’Neal and Justin Timberlake amongst others.
In addition to Woods and McIlroy, the following players are confirmed:
- Collin Morikawa
- Rickie Fowler
- Matt Fitzpatrick
- Xander Schauffele
- Max Homa
- Justin Thomas
- Adam Scott
- Billy Horschel
- Justin Rose
- Shane Lowry
- Tommy Fleetwood
- Tyrrell Hatton
- Tom Kim
- Keegan Bradley
- Cameron Young
- Sahith Theegala
- Kevin Kisner
- Wyndham Clark
- Patrick Cantlay
- Lucas Glover
- Min Woo Lee
