• Loading stock data...
Thursday, July 10, 2025

Rahm’s Exit Opens Door for Lower-Ranked  PGA Tour Players to Cash In

  • Jon Rahm’s move to LIV Golf means he is no longer eligible for PGA Tour events.
  • Several players are moving up in the rankings, and finding lucrative opportunities.
Syndication: The Clarion-Ledger

Jon Rahm’s move to LIV Golf, believed to be worth more than $500 million, is certainly lucrative for the two-time major champion from Spain. But it’s also turning out to be a meaningful financial opportunity for several lower-ranked PGA Tour players, potentially worth tens of millions of dollars.

With Rahm, the No. 3-ranked golfer in the world, no longer eligible for PGA Tour events in 2024, several players are receiving newfound eligibility for tournaments throughout the season — none more profitable than the eight signature events that will pay out $160 million next year.

Mackenzie Hughes, whose career earnings total $14.4 million on the PGA Tour since 2017, finished last season at No. 51 in the Fedex Cup Standings. But with Rahm’s exit, Hughes moved to 50th, putting him in the field for all eight signature events. (He was previously eligible for just two.) Winners’ checks at those events range from $3.6 million to $4 million, and five offer guaranteed money because there’s no cut.

Rahm’s defection also put Alex Smalley into the field at the Genesis Invitational and AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, giving him a chance to cash in at those signature events. It also gave Carl Yuan, who was 126th in the FedExCup Standings, full-year status on the PGA Tour.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Stephen Curry celebrates after sinking the winning putt during the final round of the American Century Celebrity Championship golf tournament at Edgewood Tahoe Golf Course in Stateline, Nev., Sunday, July 16, 2023.

Golf’s Hottest Celebrity Tournament Keeps Getting More Exclusive

The American Century Championship tees off at Lake Tahoe on Friday.
Jul 10, 2025; Wimbledon, United Kingdom; Iga Swiatek of Poland at her on court interview after winning her match against Belinda Bencic of Switzerland on day 11 at All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club.

Wimbledon Set to Deliver Strong Finals Matchup for ESPN

Novak Djokovic is still in the hunt for his 25th Grand Slam.
Oct 27, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; A general view of the Wells Fargo Center before game between Philadelphia Flyers and Montreal Canadiens.

New Philly Arena Will Redefine Home-Court Advantage, CEO Says

The forthcoming venue will arrive with plenty of ambition among its owners.

Jalen Williams Signs Max Deal As Thunder Commit $822M to 3 Stars

Oklahoma City also extended Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Chet Holmgren.

Featured Today

Jun 28, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh (29) bats during the game between the Texas Rangers and the Seattle Mariners at Globe Life Field.

The Torpedo Bat Business Is Still Going Strong: ‘Here to Stay’

Demand for the oddly shaped bats has stayed strong across the sport.
July 6, 2025

American Celebs Want to Be Sports Owners. Soccer Is Where They Start

As U.S. team prices climb, investors set their sights abroad.
July 5, 2025

Baseball’s Celebrity Row: Behind MLB’s First-Pitch Ritual

Often planned, sometimes spontaneous, the ritual throw is baseball’s celebrity row.
July 4, 2025

3,000 Hot Dogs, $20K in Prizes: Behind the Nathan’s Eating Contest

Nathan’s serves up thousands of hot dogs and $20,000 in prize money.
Hall of Fame Open at the International Tennis Hall of Fame, Newport.

Andy Roddick Slams Billionaire Bill Ackman’s Pro Tennis Gambit

“This was the biggest joke I’ve ever watched in professional tennis.”
Jul 10, 2025; Wimbledon, United Kingdom; Amanda Anisimova of the United States celebrates winning her match against Aryna Sabalenka on day 11 at All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club.
July 10, 2025

Amanda Anisimova Stuns Sabalenka to Reach Wimbledon Final, Clinches $2M

The American’s Wimbledon run will continue with her first major final.
July 10, 2025

Suns All In on Booker, Who Signs Record Extension Amidst Chaos

The Suns changed their head coach for the fourth time in four years.
Sponsored

Game On: Portfolio Players Stories, Brought to You by E*TRADE from Morgan Stanley

Dealmaker Jeffrey Kaplan maps the evolution of sports as an asset class
Apr 9, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Josh Giddey (3) defends Miami Heat guard Davion Mitchell (45) during the second half at United Center.
July 9, 2025

Why Are the NBA’s Biggest Restricted Free Agents Still Unsigned?

Draymond Green said the new CBA is responsible for ending free agency.
July 9, 2025

Jokić Declined a Contract Extension, but the Nuggets Shouldn’t Panic

Jokić still has three years remaining on his current contract.
Jul 1, 2025; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Paul Skenes (30) pitches against the St. Louis Cardinals during the third inning at PNC Park.
July 8, 2025

MLB ASG Missing Many Highly Paid Stars, Clearing Path for Youth

Many of MLB’s top earners are not part of the Midsummer Classic.
Jonas
July 8, 2025

Jonas Valančiūnas Is Cryptic About Nuggets Standoff in Lithuania

The Nuggets expect Valančiūnas to honor his NBA contract.