Jon Rahm has revealed he had no choice but to snub Phil Mickelson from discussions over joining him in LIV Golf in a record-breaking move.

Rahm has confirmed he has accepted a lucrative deal – believed to be the biggest in golf history – to join Mickelson in the Saudi-funded golf league. While he remained coy on the details, he’s reported to have earned a £450million deal thanks to a huge signing fee to join Mickelson and co.

Mickelson has been a leading figure since being one of the first players to ditch the PGA Tour and lead the LIV-led revolt among the sport’s top stars. But Rahm insists he had absolutely no role in his own decision to follow suit.

The Spaniard has admitted previously turning to the American ace for advice – but claims the nature of negotiations meant he needed to keep him in the dark over his landmark move.

Asked if Mickelson played a part in his decision, Rahm told FOX News: “None. No role at all. All those players on LIV are finding out shortly after we’re doing this Q&A. No role at all.

“He’s somebody I lean on to for advice as I’ve always done but not somebody I’ve talked to. I know he wishes I could’ve talked to him but it’s not something I could’ve done.”

Rahm is close to fellow Spaniard and new LIV Golf colleague Sergio Garcia, but the same applied as far as he was concerned with concerns over any potential leaks.

“We couldn’t risk information coming out even though somehow it always does,” Rahm said. “It’s been certain texts I’ve had to diffuse and certain topics.

“He did reach out and he did talk to me a little bit. We’ve stayed in contact ever since he went so it’s not out of the ordinary.”

Phil Mickelson has refuted all claims suggesting he has been informing people Jon Rahm will sign with LIV Golf.

A report on Wednesday from a golf journalist, Alan Shipnuck, on social media claimed Mickelson, who shares the same agent as the Spaniard, had been telling people that Rahm would in fact be joining the breakaway league. The reporter further added that Mickelson is a ‘relentless salesman/bull**** artist’.

Furious, Mickelson replied to the claims and denied the words from the reporter. “This isn’t true, and I don’t know anything,” said Mickelson. “I don’t want to know anything, and I haven’t said anything. Alan is the worst liar and a pathetic human.”

Shipnuck responded to Mickelson’s denial a few hours later. “I guess Phil tweeted at me? I wouldn’t know since he’s blocked me in a classic tough-guy move. But we all know that what he says publicly and privately are *very* different.”

The history of conflict between Shipnuck and Mickelson stems from a report by the author, who claimed that the profound golfer previously referred to the people of Saudi Arabia as “scary motherf*****s.” Shipnuck published the unauthorized biography “Phil: The Rip-Roaring [and Unauthorized!] Biography of Golf’s Most Colorful Superstar” in May. He also wrote a golf business book, “LIV and Let Die: The Inside Story of the War Between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf,” which was released last month.

Reports are circulating that Jon Rahm may be considering switching to LIV Golf, just like other famous PGA Tour players who were offered huge contracts. It’s been speculated Rahm might be offered a deal of around $600 million (£476m) if he chooses to leave the PGA Tour. According to the Official World Golf Ranking [OWGR], Rahm is the No. 3 ranked golfer in the world. During the 2022-23 season, Rahm achieved a significant milestone, securing four wins on the PGA Tour for the first time in his career.

He clinched his second major championship title at the prestigious Masters Tournament. Rahm’s victories extended across other tournaments, including the Sentry Tournament of Champions, The American Express, and The Genesis Invitational. In doing so, Rahm tied with Sergio Garcia for the most wins on the PGA Tour by a Spanish-born player reaching 11 victories.

Rahm joined the elite company of Seve Ballesteros and Jose Maria Olazabal as the third player from Spain to claim multiple significant titles. His victory at The Genesis Invitational marked a historic moment, making him the first player since Johnny Miller in 1975 to secure three wins on the Tour in a calendar year before March 1.

Rahm’s victory in the 2022-23 marked his seventh consecutive season with a PGA Tour win. If Rahm were to join LIV, the possibility arises of creating a formidable four-person Spanish team by partnering with Sergio Garcia’s Fireballs GC.

This potential team could include Rahm, Garcia, Eugenio Chacarra, and David Puig, presenting a robust lineup of Spanish talent in the golfing world. Such a collaboration could significantly affect team dynamics and performance in golf competitions.

Phil Mickelson has refuted all claims suggesting he has been informing people Jon Rahm will sign with LIV Golf.

A report on Wednesday from a golf journalist, Alan Shipnuck,

on social media claimed Mickelson, who shares the same agent as the Spaniard, had been telling people that Rahm would in fact be joining the breakaway league. The reporter further added that Mickelson is a ‘relentless salesman/bull**** artist’.

Furious, Mickelson replied to the claims and denied the words from the reporter. “This isn’t true, and I don’t know anything,” said Mickelson. “I don’t want to know anything, and I haven’t said anything. Alan is the worst liar and a pathetic human.”

Shipnuck responded to Mickelson’s denial a few hours later. “I guess Phil tweeted at me? I wouldn’t know since he’s blocked me in a classic tough-guy move. But we all know that what he says publicly and privately are *very* different.”

The history of conflict between Shipnuck and Mickelson stems from a report by the author, who claimed that the profound golfer previously referred to the people of Saudi Arabia as “scary motherf*****s.” Shipnuck published the unauthorized biography “Phil: The Rip-Roaring [and Unauthorized!] Biography of Golf’s Most Colorful Superstar” in May. He also wrote a golf business book, “LIV and Let Die: The Inside Story of the War Between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf,” which was released last month.

Reports are circulating that Jon Rahm may be considering switching to LIV Golf, just like other famous PGA Tour players who were offered huge contracts. It’s been speculated Rahm might be offered a deal of around $600 million (£476m) if he chooses to leave the PGA Tour. According to the Official World Golf Ranking [OWGR], Rahm is the No. 3 ranked golfer in the world. During the 2022-23 season, Rahm achieved a significant milestone, securing four wins on the PGA Tour for the first time in his career.

He clinched his second major championship title at the prestigious Masters Tournament. Rahm’s victories extended across other tournaments, including the Sentry Tournament of Champions, The American Express, and The Genesis Invitational. In doing so, Rahm tied with Sergio Garcia for the most wins on the PGA Tour by a Spanish-born player reaching 11 victories.

Rahm joined the elite company of Seve Ballesteros and Jose Maria Olazabal as the third player from Spain to claim multiple significant titles. His victory at The Genesis Invitational marked a historic moment, making him the first player since Johnny Miller in 1975 to secure three wins on the Tour in a calendar year before March 1.

Rahm’s victory in the 2022-23 marked his seventh consecutive season with a PGA Tour win. If Rahm were to join LIV, the possibility arises of creating a formidable four-person Spanish team by partnering with Sergio Garcia’s Fireballs GC.

This potential team could include Rahm, Garcia, Eugenio Chacarra, and David Puig, presenting a robust lineup of Spanish talent in the golfing world. Such a collaboration could significantly affect team dynamics and performance in golf competitions.

Today Jon Rahm sent the golf world into a frenzy after his name was wiped off TGL’s official website and all other its social media pages. After this action, chaos followed, and numerous theories have been woven by fans and the media. A common idea that is coming to everyone’s head is that the reason for Rahm’s sudden disappearance is his joining of LIV Golf.

Phil Mickelson rival joins the Jon Rahm TGL debate

Alan Shipnuck is a known golf journalist. But he is more famous for his decades-old feud with LIV defector Phil Mickelson. A sworn enemy of the golfer, Shipnuck doesn’t let any opportunity slide when it comes to staining the name of Mickelson. And the move by Rahm has provided him with a golden opportunity.

The sudden disappearance of Jon Rahm from all TGL platforms has presented a mystery that everyone is trying to solve. But Shipnuck has faith in Rahm. He believes that despite being provoked and misdirected by Mickelson, Rahm will remain true to himself. Jumping on the scene, Alan has made a tweet about it.

“Rahm’s been a long-standing lust object for LIV, and no doubt the Mickelsons’ (his pal Phil and former manager Tim) are in his ear. But Rahm’s the rare athlete who is not voracious for money. He cares about his legacy. The tour is a winning formula for him, so I’m dubious he would leave.” This is Shipnuck’s response to the matter.

However, the disappearance of Rahm has left the PGA Tour supporters worried that LIV has finally gotten their hands on him.

Has Phil Mickelson given a warning to his rivals?

A few days ago, Mickelson made a statement that the PGA Tour would find alarming. He said, “The reality is, I’ve been fielding calls, as we all have, from players that are agents to PGA Tour players to DP World Tour players that want to come over. When players look at LIV, they are wanting to be a part of it.”

“Everybody here is happy and enjoying what we are doing, enjoying the team aspect of it, and enjoying each other and the camaraderie,” added Mickelson.

It sure is a matter of concern for the rival tour, who are worried that strong players like Rahm might change tours and abandon them.