Jon Rahm has been spotted talking to Jay Monahan. (Image: @MMcEwanGolf)
Spanish golf star has been seen in discussions with chief Jay Monahan ahead of a week that could have a seismic impact on the future of the sport. The rebel is gearing up to play in this weekend’s Alfred Dunhill Links Championship in Scotland, but the tournament is set to prove significant for matters off the course.
Along with Rahm and Monahan, Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund governor Yasir Al-Rumayyan and DP World Tour chief executive Guy Kinnings will also be present at St Andrew’s.
And landmark meetings between the three bosses are set to take place, with the trio coming face-to-face for the first time since LIV controversially launched in the summer of 2022.
Last June, the warring factions announced a ‘framework agreement’ for a shock merger between all parties. Since then however, talks have dragged on with claiming .
Rahm has proved a pivotal player in the power struggle. The former world No.1 initially snubbed a move to the Saudi-backed venture, publicly stating he had no interest in playing purely for money and ‘cared about the legacy’ of his career.
However, in a U-turn that rocked the status quo, he jumped ship . In his maiden season with the Saudi-funded venture, he’s and won more than £25m in prize money.
Jon Rahm in practice at St Andrew’s. (Image: Getty)
But in practice this week ahead of the Dunhill Links, which sees amateur players take on seasoned professionals, Rahm was snapped deep in conversation with Monahan. The meeting appeared impromptu however, with the pair both using the chipping practice area at the same time before stopping to talk.
The image was posted online by Michael McEwan, host of The bunkered podcast, who wrote: “Jay Monahan and Jon Rahm just enjoyed a brief catch-up on the chipping green at St Andrews. (Might I add, the PGA Tour commish has a terrific chipping action).”
Rahm is one of a host of LIV players in action this week as he continues his bid to play in the . That’s despite admitting he has no intention of paying his fines to the DP World Tour, which were imposed after his controversial switch.
However, this month the 29-year-old appealed the sanction, allowing him to play in the Spanish Open. There, he came agonisingly close to victory, .
Rahm is required to play four DP World Tour events this season in order to earn a card for 2025, and remain eligible for Bethpage Black. He is now in line to fulfil that obligation, having played the and his home tournament, and his Dunhill Links appearance is set to be followed by entry into the Andalucia Masters.