Jon Rahm has revealed he wants to hold a meeting with LIV Golf players and officials about the possibility of holding a links event before The Open next year. The Spaniard endured a disappointing weekend finishing T7, while Xander Schauffele lifted the Claret Jug after an extraordinary final round.
Like many other players, Rahm, 29, found it difficult playing on the course and within the windy Scottish conditions, particularly in the opening round. On the ninth, Rahm and the Sky Sports commentators thought he had played into the wind perfectly, only for the elements to suddenly pause, resulting in his crisp effort finding the bushes instead.
The 29-year-old simultaneously looked baffled and furious by what happened. Rahm hopes his struggles and those of other players will be the catalyst for the introduction of a links event that will help him and other LIV players acclimatise.
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While speaking to Golf Digest, Rahm said: "I'm pushing for it. There's so much that goes into adjusting to links golf; getting used to the greens and the ball reacting on the ground.
"I didn’t think about it until after [Troon], but it's undeniable how much it helps to play a links golf course the week before the Open."
While Rahm is passionate about the introduction of a links event, he also accepted that it's not as simple as LIV players demanding a new event for their Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund backers to accept right away. He added: "Obviously, LIV management have contracts in place with some venues and plans in the future.
"It's not as easy as it sounds to just say, ‘Well, let's do this'.[But] it'd be something I would like to talk to other players [on LIV] about.
"That way, there’s strength in numbers if five, six or 10 solid players [all agree]. I think a lot of people might agree with it."
When asked what location he believes the links event could be held, the Spaniard said: "I've always felt really welcome in Ireland.
"It feels like home and some of the most fun rounds of golf I've ever played are there and there are some great venues. So yeah, if there was an opportunity for LIV Golf to play in Ireland it would be absolutely fantastic."
