Jon Rahm gets last laugh over LIV critics as caddie speaks out after £13.7m payday

It was considered a seismic moment in the sport, and now Jon Rahm’s move to LIV Golf has yielded a seismic payout for the star himself. Former world No.1 Rahm was crowned the 2024 individual champion on the Saudi-backed tour after winning the latest rebel tournament in Chicago, finishing three shots clear of compatriot Sergio Garcia and title rival Joaquin Niemann.

Rahm carded a final round of 66 to finish -11, landing him £3million for his tournament success.

He’ll also now be handed £13.7m for sealing the overall title, in addition to his reported £450m signing on fee he received in December.

The 29-year-old’s shock decision to turn his back on the PGA Tour initially drew massive criticism, with the Ryder Cup star accused of hypocrisy. He’d previously been vociferous in his opposition to Greg Norman’s venture and the 54-hole LIV format, vowing to reject their advances and insisting the events were “not proper” golf tournaments.

In the immediate months after his move, speculation was rife that Rahm had regretted his big money switch. And after his player’s triumph in Chicago, caddie Adam Hayes said Rahm had struggled with the negative publicity before getting the last laugh over his critics.

“This year we had a lot of different expectations and stuff," he said. “You know, it's hard to not listen to the people. So you have those expectations and it's been a tough year for a lot of different reasons."

Rahm himself declared himself proud at his achievement, following a difficult year in which he has regularly cited his wife Kelley’s difficult pregnancy. The couple’s third child is due this autumn. 

“I wouldn't say it exceeded my expectations, but it definitely met what I expected," he said on his maiden season with LIV. "It was definitely a stressful day, but that pressure is a privilege.

"Just being able to culminate all the good golf all season, and especially doing it by winning individually I think is what makes it so much more special. Knowing that I had to win and getting it done is something to really be proud of and something to reflect on."

Rahm has failed to challenge in the major championships this year, with his 17th placed finish at The Open Championship signifying his best effort. There was also Olympic heartbreak in Paris after he blew up in the final round, finishing outside the medals in fifth place.

And his latest success comes amid serious doubts over his Ryder Cup participation in Bethpage next September. He’s admitted he has no intention of paying his PGA Tour fines for joining LIV, meaning he remains ineligible for Team Europe selection.