In London, David Walsh reported Jon Rahm is “said to be considering” a $600M offer from LIV Golf. It is “hard to believe Rahm would defect but there’s been no denial so far.” If he did switch sides, it "would change the golf landscape.” But Walsh wrote Rahm’s presence “couldn’t persuade me to watch LIV,” though his absence from PGA Tour events would "lessen their appeal." Walsh: "So then we get to a point where all that matters are the four majors. I hope Rahm stays where he is. Golf, as we know it, needs him" (London TIMES, 11/26).
WHO ARE YOU TRYING TO FOOL? GOLF's weekly roundtable discussed Tiger Woods' tech infused TGL golf league being postponed until 2025. News and features editor James Colgan noted his "instinct" tells him the delay has "more to do with the golf schedule than the repairs necessary to get the arena up and running." Colgan: “The issue here is timing: flying pros in for a Monday or Tuesday match, then flying them out to play a 72-hole tournament beginning on Thursday.” Senior writer Josh Sens noted so much “is up in the air,” to the point “where I don’t think it’s silly to ask -- is there a chance that the TGL doesn’t ever get off the ground at all?” But assistant editor Jack Hirsh noted the cause for the 12-month delay is “actually very simple.” Hirsh: “Monday nights on ESPN are occupied from April to December with Monday Night Baseball in the spring and summer followed by Monday Night Football in the fall. TV is where all the money is, therefore they get to call the shots” (GOLF, 11/26).
NEW ADDITION: In San Antonio, Robert Rivard noted Valero Energy Exec Chair Joe Gorder was “appointed to fill the vacant independent director seat" on the PGA Tour Policy Board, replacing Randall Stephenson, the former AT&T Chair & CEO who "stepped down in July." Gorder’s presence on the Tour’s policy board as it "weighs its future options" can "only help the standing of the Valero Texas Open, which is not a designated event.” Jordan Spieth also "accepted the invitation" to fill Rory McIlroy spot on the policy board. The Texas Open in San Antonio has “had a rich history” and “deserves a secure future.” Gorder and Spieth joining the board “can only help” (SAN ANTONIO REPORT, 11/26).
