Jon Rahm Joins Six LIV Stars in $9 Million PGA Tour Event
**Jon Rahm** entered the $9 million PGA Tour tournament on **9 July 2026**, playing alongside six LIV Golf stars. The surprise lineup has fans and officials questioning how the event’s prize pool and world‑ranking points will be affected.
The PGA Tour announced a special invitation for Rahm and five LIV Golf members-**Bryson DeChambeau, Dustin Johnson, Phil Mickelson, Sergio García, Cameron Smith** and **Talor Gooch**-to boost the tournament’s global appeal. Organisers say the mix of established majors winners and LIV’s high‑profile names creates a stronger field and attracts more television viewers.
Rahm, the 2023 Masters champion, started the first round with a **‑2** under‑par 68, sitting just behind the early leader **Scottie Scheffler**, who posted a 66. The LIV players have struggled to find rhythm; DeChambeau carded a 71, while Mickelson posted a 73. Rahm’s steady play keeps him within striking distance as the cut approaches.
The PGA Tour confirmed that the event will award full Official World Golf Ranking points, despite the LIV presence. This decision satisfies many players who rely on points to qualify for majors. However, critics argue that mixing tours could dilute the ranking system’s integrity, especially if LIV members earn points without playing a full PGA schedule.
The $9 million purse is split according to the standard PGA Tour formula. Rahm is guaranteed at least **$1.2 million** for a top‑10 finish, while the LIV stars will receive the same amounts as any other competitor. The financial incentive is clear: a strong finish could net each player a six‑figure payday, reinforcing the tournament’s allure.
The tournament runs through **13 July 2026**. If Rahm maintains his form, he could finish on the podium and secure a valuable boost ahead of the upcoming **U.S. Open**. The LIV participants, meanwhile, hope the exposure will help them negotiate future PGA events or secure sponsorship deals.
Social media buzz shows a split reaction. Some fans applaud the collaboration, calling it a “great showcase of talent.” Others criticize the move, fearing it blurs the line between the rival tours. The PGA’s decision to invite both sides may set a precedent for future co‑hosted events.
**Jon Rahm** remains the story’s focal point, his performance likely dictating whether the experiment is deemed a success. As the field tightens, every shot will be watched closely by a global audience eager to see how the traditional and new‑wave golfers coexist on the same fairways.