Jon Rahm has been left eating his words after having a complete change of opinion when it comes to players being able to compete across both LIV Golf and the PGA Tour.

Ever since LIV’s formation in June 2022, those who have teed it up on the breakaway league have been unable to compete on the PGA Tour. This friction appeared to be coming to an end last summer though, after Tour commissioner Jay Monahan announced a shock framework agreement with the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia (PIF).

Since then, 15 months have passed, and whilst a peace deal between the two rival sides is yet to be officially signed off, Tour bosses remain in negotiations with their Saudi counterparts, having met in New York this month.

As part of the deal, it is hoped by many that players who play on the LIV circuit will be able to return freely to the PGA Tour, something Rahm has called for having joined the breakaway league late last year. Speaking at the Spanish Open on his return to the DP World about what future he would like to see, Rahm claimed: “Just one that allows us to play freely between tours and enjoy the game of golf.

“For example, in my case, play Torrey Pines [Farmers Insurance Open] and the American Express in January, then continue to enjoy being a DP World Tour member and play some events in the fall without any problems.” It is fair to say Rahm has not always been of this opinion though.

Following his comments in Madrid on Wednesday, previous quotes from the former world No. 1 resurfaced, which came prior to his LIV move in January 2023. Speaking to the No Laying Up podcast at the beginning of last year, Rahm revealed he was against free movement between tours.

Follow the Mirror US on Google Newsto stay up to date with all the latest news, sport and entertainment stories.

“I can’t see a solution where you can have players bouncing back and forth, like, ‘We’re finishing the Tour Championship and then tomorrow I’m part of [Phil Mickelson] LIV Golf team] the HyFlyers’,” he claimed. “I think you should make a choice,” Rahm continued.

“I know we’re independent contractors, but man… If you want to play, go ahead. Play in 20 events, plus another 14, then the Ryder Cup, that’s a lot of tournaments to play. Especially going around the world… I don’t necessarily think you should be able to do both. I’m not judging anybody. Feel free, take the money, go to LIV, do what you want.

“But for me, double-dipping doesn’t seem like it’s the right thing to do.” Rahm became LIV’s marquee signing last December, signing a record-breaking deal with Greg Norman and Co. worth a reported $600 million. The Spanish star has competed on the LIV circuit, and captains the Legion XIII ever since. This week’s trip back to his native Spain signals his first start of 2024 away from the Saudi-funded league.