Though 2024 is far from over, Jon Rahm has already made a significant mark on the year with his bold and controversial move to the LIV Golf League. In a season full of twists and turns, Rahm capped off his inaugural LIV campaign in spectacular fashion, winning the final individual event at Bolingbrook Golf Club in Chicago. Shooting a closing-round 66, Rahm not only claimed victory in the event but also secured the coveted season-long individual championship title.
For Rahm, who had faced criticism earlier in the year for not winning enough and for his underwhelming performances in major championships, this victory was a statement. He finished the LIV Golf regular season on a high note, winning two of the last three events and narrowly missing out on a playoff victory in the third.
His late-season surge silenced many doubters and reinforced his status as one of the top players in the world.
“I wouldn’t say it’s been a bumpy road, but definitely a winding one,” Rahm reflected. “Making the decision to join LIV Golf was something I did with full confidence, knowing I could make an impact. You deal with the emotions of that decision, the media attention—both good and bad—and then focus on going out and winning, leading a team, and delivering on the course. It’s been a journey, but it’s starting to pay off.”
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Rahm’s leadership extended beyond individual performance, as he captains the LIV Golf team Legion XIII. His victory in Chicago, which saw him finish three strokes ahead of runner-up Joaquin Niemann (who also finished second in the individual season standings), showcased his resilience and ability to deliver in high-stakes moments. Sergio Garcia, another familiar name in the world of golf, rounded out the top three in the individual standings.
The individual championship came with an $18 million bonus for Rahm, adding to the lucrative nine-figure deal he signed with LIV Golf in December 2023—believed to be worth over $200 million. In addition to the bonus, Rahm earned $4 million for his Chicago win, bringing his season earnings to an impressive $16,754,821. With the bonus factored in, Rahm’s total haul for the season reached a staggering $34,754,821.
It’s a remarkable turnaround for a player who, earlier in the year, was criticized for his struggles in major championships. Rahm’s disappointing 45th-place finish at the Masters and a missed cut at the PGA Championship fueled doubts about his decision to join LIV. His withdrawal from the U.S. Open due to a foot infection only added to the narrative that 2024 might be a lost year for the Spanish star. However, those struggles were short-lived, as Rahm rebounded with consistently strong performances in LIV tournaments, never finishing outside the top 10.
After recovering from his foot injury and finding a more suitable shaft for his driver, Rahm rediscovered his winning form. His first victory came at the LIV Golf UK event shortly after he tied for ninth at the British Open. He then led the Olympic golf tournament with eight holes to play before falling out of medal contention, followed by a playoff loss to Brooks Koepka at LIV Golf’s Greenbrier event. Despite those setbacks, Rahm’s persistence paid off, culminating in his second victory of the season and the overall individual title.
With his season-long success, Rahm added yet another prestigious accomplishment to his already impressive resume. “It’s a different accomplishment because it’s not just about one week,” Rahm said of winning the LIV Golf season title. “You can’t really compare anything to majors in this sport, but winning a season-long race in two of the three biggest tours—having done it on the DP World Tour and now LIV—it’s special. Culminating a year of good golf and getting it done by winning individually today makes it all the more rewarding.”
But Rahm’s journey is far from over. His Legion XIII team is now set to compete in the LIV Golf Team Championship in Dallas, and his personal life is about to see a major change as well—his wife, Kelley, is expecting their third child. After that, Rahm will head back to his home country to play in the Spanish Open on the DP World Tour.
The busy schedule continues as he attempts to fulfill his obligations to the DP World Tour, with three more events required to qualify for next year’s European Ryder Cup team.
Rahm’s success this year speaks to his ability to navigate challenges, both on and off the course. As he reflects on his accomplishments, it’s clear that 2024 has been a transformative year for the golfer, with many more milestones still to come.
