Norman: 'More apples will fall' after Rahm move

LONDON — LIV Golf chief executive Greg Norman says that Jon Rahm's move to the Saudi-backed circuit will "create a domino effect "of more high-profile players making the lucrative jump.

Reigning Masters champion Rahm last week joined LIV in a deal worth hundreds of millions of dollars in a huge coup for the upstart tour.

LIV had already recruited major winners Brooks Koepka, Phil Mickelson, Dustin Johnson and Cameron Smith, but Rahm was arguably the biggest name yet to leave the PGA Tour.

Speaking from Saudi Arabia to the BBC's World Business Report, Norman — the public face of LIV — said there would be "more apples falling from the tree".

"To have Jon on board is critically important to our next steps into the future and what we want to do," Norman said.

He added: "It will create a domino effect, there will be more apples falling from the tree, there's no question about it because LIV continues to grow and develop."

Spain's Rahm had previously ruled out going to LIV, which held its inaugural season in 2022 and triggered a civil war in golf.

He is reportedly set to earn between $300 million and $600 million.

"Since Jon signed, less than a week ago now, I know my phone is blowing up," Norman added.

"I know we probably have eight to 12 players who are very, very keen to sit down and talk to us about coming on board."

Saudi Arabia's foray into sport has triggered accusations of so-called "sportswashing".

Norman, a two-time major winner, said that Saudi Arabia "really cares" about golf. "If you see the way they're embracing the game of golf, they're investing in the game of golf in their country for their people into the future," he said.

Rahm's move came as the PGA Tour and the Saudi backers of LIV attempt to finalize the details of their bombshell merger announced in June.

A deadline of Dec 31 has been set to agree a framework for the new PGA-LIV joint venture.

Sentry sign-ups

Four of the world's top golfers have committed to the season-opening Sentry tournament, the PGA Tour announced on Wednesday, including one who would not have been invited under the event's old rules.

Reigning FedEx Cup champion Viktor Hovland of Norway, current world No 1 Scottie Scheffler, Rickie Fowler and Hideki Matsuyama of Japan will all take part in the event, to take place Jan 4-7 at Plantation Course in Kapalua, Hawaii.

The tournament used to feature only PGA Tour winners from the previous season. Matsuyama did not win last season and hence would not have made the field under the previous rules. The new rules allow for anyone in the top 50 in the final FedEx Cup points last season to take part. Matsuyama finished 50th.

Agencies via Xinhua