In a stunning turn of events, rumors have emerged that several big-name golfers are on the verge of signing lucrative deals with LIV Golf, a Saudi-backed league. The news has sent shockwaves through the golfing community, raising questions about the potential impact on the PGA Tour and the future of professional golf.

Leading the pack is reigning Masters champion and world No. 3-ranked player, Jon Rahm, who is reportedly mulling over an offer that exceeds $300 million to join LIV Golf. This eye-popping sum has sparked widespread speculation about the potential exodus of other marquee players.

Patrick Cantlay and Xander Schauffele, both United States Ryder Cup stalwarts, are among the players who have also been linked to the LIV Golf rumors. The possibility of their departure has further fueled anxieties within the PGA Tour.

When asked about these developments, golf legend Tiger Woods admitted he would be hypothetically surprised if the rumors turned out to be true. Speaking at the Hero World Challenge in the Bahamas, Woods acknowledged the rapid changes taking place in the golfing landscape and emphasized the limited time available to finalize agreements.

PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan has set a firm deadline of December 31 for finalizing agreements with LIV Golf, along with the Public Investment Fund and the DP World Tour. As the deadline looms, negotiations are intensifying, with multiple moving parts involved.

Jordan Spieth, who recently replaced Rory McIlroy on the PGA Tour's Policy Board, expressed concern about losing Jon Rahm to LIV Golf. Spieth recognized Rahm as one of the top assets on the PGA Tour and stressed the importance of competing against the best players in the world.

While the departure of Rahm and potentially other high-profile golfers would be a blow to the PGA Tour, it remains to be seen how it would impact ongoing negotiations. The involvement of Tiger Woods on the PGA Tour's Policy Board, coupled with the gratitude expressed by player Scottie Scheffler, highlights the significance of Woods' influence in the golfing world.

As speculation mounts, attention turns to the upcoming Bahamas event and the notable absences of Rahm, Cantlay, and Schauffele. Rahm did not commit to the tournament, while Cantlay and Schauffele withdrew last month, further adding fuel to the rumors of their potential move to LIV Golf.

It is worth noting that Rahm recently pulled out of the Woods- and McIlroy-backed TGL league, citing time constraints. Interestingly, TGL has delayed its debut until 2025 following facility damage caused by a collapsed roof. Cantlay and Schauffele had previously committed to playing in the TGL league.

In the midst of swirling rumors and uncertainties, Woods remained tight-lipped when faced with a second question about possible marquee player defections to LIV Golf. With time running out, all eyes are now on the imminent decisions that will shape the future of professional golf.