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In his first appearance after signing with the
rebel circuit funded by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF),
the 29-year-old Spaniard was surprised to find TV cameras at an
event he was attending in the northern Spanish city of Bilbao.
"I didn't think there would be any cameras and that it would be
a bit more intimate," Rahm told a select audience at the
Sociedad Bilbaina hall, who appeared to be outnumbered by media
professionals.
Rahm was there to receive the 'Dama Bilbaina 2023' prize awarded
by the private club founded in 1839 in his native Basque
Country, in recognition of his sporting career.
"I am under very strict instructions not to do public events,
which I have imposed on myself a little bit for myself, and for
the change I have given to the world of golf in the last week,"
Rahm said, giving a categorical "No!" when asked if he was
planning to give an interview.
"There will be nothing until February, I'm not allowed to."
One of golf's most popular and charismatic figures, Rahm became
the biggest name to sign on with LIV Golf since Australian
Cameron Smith joined after winning the 2022 British Open.
Media reports said the world number three Spaniard will be paid
at least $300 million with some outlets putting the guaranteed
figure at closer to $600 million.
Rahm's departure will be seen as another massive blow to the PGA
Tour which has watched many of its stars defect to the breakaway
league lured by massive paydays.
He described himself on Wednesday as a "normal person".
"I don't consider that what I do is much different, and that I
am more or less important than the rest," Rahm said.
"The only thing is that I'm seen on TV right now and that's
it... hopefully a little less so in the future..."
(Reporting by Fernando Kallas in Madrid; Editing by Toby Davis)
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