In a surprising turn of events, Jon Rahm, the reigning Masters champion, has announced his departure from the tech-infused golf league, TGL, led by Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy. Rahm took to social media on Thursday to explain his decision, citing a lack of commitment that he is unable to offer at this time.

TGL recently unveiled its competition format, featuring two teams competing in a mix of alternative shot and singles team match play. However, Rahm's departure comes just days after this announcement, raising questions about the future of the league.

Rahm has long been vocal about the demands on his schedule and his desire for a more manageable workload. He has previously advocated for the PGA Tour to reduce its fall schedule and has opted to skip events in favor of much-needed rest. In an interview last spring, Rahm expressed frustration with the constant travel and time spent away from home, saying, "all we see is the inside of airports and airlines, and then hotel rooms and that's about it."

Given Rahm's prioritization of family and personal well-being, it is perhaps unsurprising that he would choose not to commute from his home in Arizona to attend TGL events, which are scheduled to take place in Florida from January through the spring.

TGL, which is seen as a direct competitor to LIV Golf, has partnered with the PGA Tour and exclusively allows PGA Tour players to participate. The league aims to financially reward players who have turned down lucrative offers from LIV to remain on the PGA Tour. Both Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy serve as player directors on the tour's policy board.

While Rahm has remained loyal to the PGA Tour amidst the ongoing turf war with LIV Golf, speculation has already begun about his potential future involvement with LIV. However, as of now, there is no evidence to support this notion. Rahm, considered one of the world's best players, has consistently emphasized that he does not prioritize monetary gain and has even turned down a nine-figure offer from LIV.

Nonetheless, it is not unreasonable to consider LIV's continued interest in adding Rahm to their roster. As LIV prepares for its third season in 2024, the league's CEO, Greg Norman, recently stated that they are actively seeking to recruit more players, indicating their willingness to make significant investments in expanding their organization.

Only time will tell what Rahm's departure means for TGL and whether LIV Golf will make a strong push to secure his services. For now, golf fans and pundits alike can only speculate about the future plans of these talented players and the evolving landscape of professional golf.