Jon Rahm has confirmed reports that he has decided to leave the PGA Tour to link up with LIV Golf.

In the wake of previous high-profile names departing the top echelons of the sport to sign with the Saudi Arabian-backed tour, the Spaniard has previously stated that he would not be tempted to follow suit.

The former world number one and reigning Masters champion publicly insisted that he relished the competition at golf's biggest events - dismissing the format of LIV Golf at the same time - and has cited his desire to follow the sport's greats.

While that may still prove to be the case at the four majors, it will be as a LIV Golf representative having penned a reported £450m deal.

Speaking to Fox News, the 29-year-old said: "As you can see now it's official this is me finally saying after all the rumours, some of them were true, and I am officially joining LIV Golf.

"It's not an easy decision. I've had a very successful career and I'm happy. There are a lot of things that LIV Golf have to offer which were very enticing, starting with team golf."

He added: "Things have changed a lot in the game of golf over the past two years and I've seen the growth of LIV Golf and the innovation.

"That's why I'm here today. This decision was made for many reasons and what I thought was best for me. Don't get me wrong, it's a great deal."

Rahm also acknowledged that he was risking his future participation with Europe at the Ryder Cup, although that did not stop Brooks Koepka from securing a place for the United States for the 2023 edition.

Although talks remaining ongoing regarding some sort of working relationship between the PGA Tour and the Public Investment Fund (PIF), who oversee LIV Golf, the development is a monumental blow to the PGA Tour. body check tags ::