With the 2024 LIV Golf season wrapped up, Jon Rahm is already planning roster changes for 2025 as he aims to strengthen his team, Legion XIII. The Spaniard, who joined LIV in a blockbuster $500 million deal, has been searching for a new player to replace Kieran Vincent, who was relegated from the breakaway league. While Rahm has been scouting talent at tournaments like the Andalucia Masters and the upcoming Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship, he’s yet to secure a new teammate—a process potentially complicated by recent announcements from LIV’s primary backer, Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF).
Earlier this week, PIF governor Yasir Al-Rumayyan announced that PIF would reduce its international investments from 30% to around 18-20%, shifting focus to domestic projects. This raised concerns over LIV’s financial future, as PIF’s backing has been the driving force behind the league’s ability to lure top talent with lucrative contracts. Although Al-Rumayyan clarified that existing investments, including LIV Golf, would not be affected, the cutback has sparked speculation about whether LIV can continue to offer the same level of financial allure to players.
Rahm’s Recruitment Strategy
Rahm’s decision to return to the DP World Tour was strategic—aimed at retaining his European Tour card and Ryder Cup eligibility—but it has also allowed him to network with top talent. Players like Tommy Fleetwood, Nicolai Hojgaard, and Rasmus Hojgaard could be ideal fits for Legion XIII, but Rahm’s absence from the Abu Dhabi field might hinder his recruitment efforts. With limited opportunities to persuade these players on the course, he may need to rely on direct negotiations and the promise of significant financial incentives.
LIV’s Financial Future: Will PIF Cutbacks Impact Recruitment?
The PIF’s budget adjustment has fueled questions about LIV Golf’s long-term strategy, as many players have joined the league largely for its high-paying contracts. While the format’s innovative structure has drawn interest, the million-dollar deals have been a primary attraction. Rahm himself joined LIV amid controversy over the financial pull, despite prior allegiance to the PGA Tour.
As PIF’s focus shifts to domestic investments, LIV may need to reconsider its spending, potentially affecting the league’s appeal to top players. However, existing funds are reportedly secure, and LIV may still be able to offer attractive deals to secure elite players.
Can LIV Still Attract Big Names?
Rahm’s recruitment challenge underscores a broader question: Can LIV Golf maintain its appeal as a financial powerhouse in the golf world if PIF scales back its international spending? While the league’s future remains strong for now, the uncertainty around new funding could prompt players to reconsider their options, especially if PGA pursues strategic changes in response.
With LIV’s financial model in flux and Rahm on the hunt for new talent, the coming season will be a test of LIV’s staying power and its ability to attract golf’s top-tier players. Will Rahm’s recruitment efforts bear fruit, or will looming budget constraints force LIV to rethink its star-studded roster?
Sources for this article include:
Statements from PIF’s Yasir Al-Rumayyan, LIV Golf recruitment reports, and tournament coverage from the DP World Tour.
