Rahm stays in PGA Championship hunt with third-round 67 while dismissing LIV Golf noise

Jon Rahm kept himself firmly in contention at the PGA Championship after carding a third-round 67 on Saturday at Aronimink Golf Club, brushing aside questions about LIV Golf's uncertain future to focus squarely on his pursuit of a third major title.

The Spaniard, a two-time major champion having won the U.S. Open in 2021 and the Masters in 2023, posted five birdies against two bogeys to reach four under par for the tournament, briefly holding a share of the lead before a bogey at the 18th dropped him one stroke off the pace. Softer conditions allowed the field to score more freely, leaving a tightly packed leaderboard heading into the final round.

Rahm's performance came amid renewed scrutiny of LIV Golf players at the majors, with the Saudi-backed circuit navigating a period of significant financial uncertainty. Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, which has committed more than five billion dollars to LIV since its 2022 launch, confirmed last month it would withdraw funding at the end of the 2026 season, leaving the tour in search of new investment. Despite suggestions that a Rahm victory could provide a timely lift for LIV's appeal to potential backers, the former world number one was quick to shut down the narrative.

"Honestly, in a week like this one, I'm thinking more about myself," Rahm told reporters. "I'm not going to take on anything outside what I can control when it comes to competing tomorrow."

He did, however, acknowledge the deeper personal and national significance a victory would carry, particularly in the context of golf's career Grand Slam. "But what it would mean for Spain as well in the Grand Slam tally and being the last leg of the Grand Slam for us as well, there's a lot of things that would mean a lot," he said.

After a series of underwhelming major performances since making the move to LIV Golf in late 2023, Sunday's final round presents Rahm with his best opportunity yet to add to his major collection and silence his critics.

SportsLigue