December 10, 2023 10:53 am

Another chapter in the soap opera that is professional golf. Jon Rahm, the latter day Severiano Ballesteros has been enticed to join LIV Golf for an eye watering lorry load of cash. I stress as ever, the views in this piece are my own personal views.

I am severely disappointed with a man I considered to be an icon of the modern game. Someone who respects and protects the heritage of the game. Money talks so they say and it seems to have screamed too loudly into Jon Rahm’s ear for him to ignore the temptation. You might argue if someone is stupid enough to offer him $400 million why wouldn’t he take it? However, he has already won over $75 million in prize money, plus goodness knows how much more in off course income. Surely his family’s future is already secure. LIV tour players also argue they want to bring the game to a global audience. Aren’t they doing that with the PGA Tour and the DP World Tour? After all, the hint is in the name. The lower viewing figures for the LIV Tour make a mockery of that particular excuse for their greed.

The Ryder Cup must not be compromised

Today it’s Jon Rahm, previously it was Cam Smith, Dustin Johnson et al. The thing that really worries me this time is the reaction of Rory McIlroy. Until now he has handled this whole nonsense better than any other person. But now Rory is suggesting a change to the eligibility criteria for the 2025 Ryder Cup in New York. Please, no, that is so wrong. No one player is more important than the rules and traditions of the Ryder Cup. Yes, Rahm played well, yes, he was a driving force for our victory, but if he wants to join LIV, he is perfectly aware of the consequences. If we lose, let him watch from the sidelines at Bethpage and understand his role in that defeat. How he has let his teammates and country down by chasing the Saudi Dollars. I imagine Seve, God bless him, will be turning in his grave.

Ball speed change is good for golf

To end on a more positive note: the rules are changing around the speed that golf balls can leave the clubface. This is another good decision by the governing bodies. They have gone through exhaustive consultation with all interested stakeholders in the industry. The “Tournament Ball” idea where all players use the same reduced speed ball, was a good one. However, it seems that the consensus is that the unilateral limiting of the golf ball speed will work best. There are a few years before this comes into effect. For the average golfer the loss of yardage off the tee will be at most 5 yards.  I have an easy solution to that issue for most of the golfers I see. Get yourself booked onto either one of our £2 per hour Improvers courses, or some private coaching with our team of PGA professionals. They will get you back those lost 5 yards and probably a whole lot more as well.

May I wish you all a very merry Christmas and a happy and heathy new golfing year.

Jon Woodroffe: Master Professional, World of Golf London

Categorised in: Golf Events, Golf News