Inside Jon Rahm’s record-breaking LIV Golf deal, including £240m up front and 10-strong team of chefs and helpers
JON RAHM rocked golf by accepting LIV’s millions - but the incredible riches on offer made it impossible for the Masters champ to say no.
SunSport has spoken to one of the negotiators for the Spaniard’s incredible contract which sees him become the Saudi Arabian golf project’s biggest signing so far.
Rahm’s bumper, four year deal could see him earn a whopping $600million (£480m).
Amazingly, the Ryder Cup star is getting half paid up front, in a lump sum of $300m (£240m).
And considering the PGA tour’s entire prize fund for 2023 was $460m, it’s almost impossible to think how the world No3 could ever ignore the advances from the cash rich Saudis.
Aside from his base salary, Rahm could pocket $4m for every tournament triumph, while sponsorship deals and making public appearances could earn him an extra $40m a year.
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As a two time major winner, Rahm is one of the biggest names in the sport, so will be in high demand to spread the word for his Middle Eastern paymasters.
A share of one of the teams who play in LIV golf was another enticing element of one of the most lucrative deals in history.
But the added extras are what really makes the contract stand apart.
Not only will he be able to have use of a Saudi Royal private jet, but he will have a team of up to 10 people working for him and his family - everything from a personal assistant to round the clock chefs who will cater for his every need.
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Our source said the process of getting the 29 year-old to sign on the dotted line was “very intense” and that he needed plenty of time to mull the numbers over with his family.
Yet once everything was presented to Rahm and his advisors, there was only going to be one answer.
“It was obvious that he needed time to think about it, to see the pros and cons of the situations, but we came with the biggest offer ever made by the LIV,” said the negotiator who spoke to SunSport on the condition of anonymity.
“Everyone would be thinking about signing this kind of contract when you see this kind of huge, huge numbers.
"When you see hundreds of millions promised to you on a deal, there are plenty of reasons to sign - and the Saudis are very generous with perks and bonuses.
"It’s around $500-600millions total, with something around $300million in the first payment, upfront, which is massive for an athlete.
"Just imagine if LeBron got his all deal in one payment, that is very, very uncommon and Jon was very, very surprised and pretty smiling when he saw that.
"Bonuses are for things like winning tournaments, around $4m each, and also for making appearances, in public events and sponsors, I would say between $30-40millions a year.
"The contract is for four and a half years, and he will also have shares in the league to own and run one of the teams.
"He also got nice presents from the LIV, like using one of the Saudi Royal private jet for him and his family, but also many perks like money allowance for housing and I think 8-10 people that will work for him, from a personal assistant to personal chefs, between others."
When LIV’s plan to shake up golf was first revealed, many thought it would only appeal to players desperately looking for one last major payday.
Yet Rahm arrives in his prime and joins seven of the last 14 major winners who have dumped the PGA Tour.
Rahm, Brooks Koepka, Cameron Smith, Phil Mickelson, Dustin Johnson and Bryson DeChambeau are now all in the Saudi’s stable, and more could soon follow their lucrative lead.
“The goal was to get him to sign, and the LIV, now having one of the youngest stars of world golf, is to keep growing and with guys like Jon, building for a bright and prosperous future for the league and for its players,” added the insider.
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A source close to Rahm, who insists his pal is “100 per cent invested in the LIV project" added:” I think he made the best decision, and he is very comfortable with it despite some people already criticising him.
“You're always going to have haters, but you can’t pay attention to that. You have to think for yourself.”
