Tiger Woods has long been regarded as a mentor and friend to many of golf’s emerging talents. However, for those who opted to depart from the PGA Tour in favor of LIV Golf, Woods’s stance has evidently shifted.
One such example is his relationship with Jon Rahm, a prominent figure in the sport. Despite their previous closeness, Rahm’s decision to pursue a lucrative $300 million deal with LIV Golf appears to have strained his bond with Woods.
In an interview with ESPN’s Marty Smith, Rahm revealed that while he has maintained communication with Rory McIlroy following his transition to LIV, he has not heard from Woods. Rahm mentioned reaching out to Woods to inform him of his personal decision but received no response.
“Tiger? No, not really,” Rahm said. “I mean, Tiger, I texted him and the people that try to reach out, you know, the process, when I signed and I just let him know, ‘Hey, you know, this is a personal decision.’
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This lack of communication may not come as a surprise, considering Woods’s vocal opposition to LIV Golf and his staunch advocacy for the preservation of the PGA Tour’s integrity and tradition. It’s evident that Woods holds reservations toward those who have departed from the PGA Tour for the new venture.
Despite reports indicating that Woods himself turned down lucrative offers from LIV Golf, his financial status as one of the wealthiest athletes in history likely played a role. In contrast, many players who made the switch may have been enticed by the significant financial incentives offered by LIV Golf.
While Woods’s stance may be rooted in his dedication to the PGA Tour, the departure of several players may still leave a sour taste for the legendary golfer, especially considering the financial motivations behind their decisions.
