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World No. 3 Jon Rahm (Spain) is moving to LIV Golf, operated by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF).

On the 7th (local time), Golf Digest reported, "Rahm is transferring to LIV Golf." LIV Golf also released a photo of Greg Norman (Australia) putting a LIV Golf jumper on Rahm. The transfer fee Rahm is receiving varied slightly depending on the media outlet. The Athletics reported $450 million (approximately 592.2 billion KRW). ESPN stated "more than $300 million" (approximately 394.8 billion KRW). The UK Telegraph Sports quoted up to ?450 million (approximately 705.5 billion KRW). This is the highest amount paid to a player who has transferred to LIV Golf so far. Phil Mickelson received $200 million, and Dustin Johnson and Bryson DeChambeau (both USA) received $150 million each.

Yon Rahm (left) is taking a commemorative photo with Commissioner Greg Norman after transferring to LIV Golf. [New York=AP·Yonhap News]

In an interview with Golf Digest, Rahm explained, "There have been many changes in the golf world over the past two years, and I have also gone through many changes," adding, "I was very interested in the growth, development, and innovation of LIV Golf." He continued, "I like the achievements LIV Golf has made. I also like the business side. This is something I couldn't have imagined four years ago. It is truly exciting for me," he shared his thoughts.

This year, Rahm won four times on the PGA Tour, including the Masters. He has accumulated 11 PGA Tour wins in total and held the world No. 1 ranking for 52 weeks. Rumors of Rahm's transfer to LIV Golf surfaced last month when he withdrew from the screen golf league TGL, led by Tiger Woods (USA) and Rory McIlroy (Northern Ireland). Rahm's transfer is expected to be a significant shock and blow to the PGA Tour, which recently decided on a full partnership with PIF, including a merger with LIV Golf. It is as if a major pillar defending the PGA Tour against LIV Golf's offensive has been removed. Contrary to expectations that LIV Golf would disappear due to the full partnership between the PGA Tour and PIF, LIV Golf has instead become stronger.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.