Jon Rahm explains reason for pulling out of Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy’s golf league

The Masters champion is the latest high-profile player to opt out of the innovative indoor golf league, with Jordan Spieth and Scottie Scheffler also passing on the opportunity to play

Jon Rahm will not compete in Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy’s inaugural TGL season after admitting the innovative event requires “a level of commitment that I can’t offer”.

The Spaniard’s name was removed from the TGL website on Wednesday evening, sparking speculation among fans that the Masters champion may be considering a move to LIV Golf.

But Rahm and the TGL have now confirmed his absence and the reason the two-time major winner will join fellow stars Jordan Spieth and Scottie Scheffler by opting out of the new indoor golf league.

• What is the TGL? Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy’s new golf league explained

While Rahm didn’t go into details, the 28-year-old lives in Arizona, with the TGL located in Florida each Monday from January, which could place extra strain on players commuting from out of state.

Rahm said: “I am sad to confirm that I will not be participating in the first TGL season.

“While I still think it’s a great opportunity, right now it would require a level of commitment that I can’t offer. Best of luck to everyone envolved and may the best team win!”

A TGL statement said: “Jon is one of the most talented players in the game and we will miss him during the inaugural TGL season. We understand that players have to balance a lot of different facets of their professional and personal lives and respect Jon's choice and wish him well.

“TGL will name a new player to fill the 24-player roster soon.”

Rahm is good friends with compatriot Sergio Garcia, who is the captain of the Spanish language-speaking team Fireballs GC, with Abraham Ancer, Carlos Ortiz and Eugenio Chacarra also on their roster.

The TGL is a tech-infused golf league that will see 18 of the world’s best golfers compete in events held in a custom-built arena in Florida. The format will use golf simulators for some aspects with the hope of offering fans a shorter, different golf viewing experience.

The project is in partnership with the PGA Tour but has received funding from a host of celebrity investors including Lewis Hamilton, Lebron James, Justin Beiber, Shaquille O’Neal and Justin Timberlake amongst others.

In addition to Woods and McIlroy, the following players are confirmed:

• Collin Morikawa
• Rickie Fowler
• Matt Fitzpatrick
• Xander Schauffele
• Max Homa
• Justin Thomas
• Adam Scott
• Billy Horschel
• Justin Rose
• Shane Lowry
• Tommy Fleetwood
• Tyrrell Hatton
• Tom Kim
• Keegan Bradley
• Cameron Young
• Sahith Theegala
• Kevin Kisner
• Wyndham Clark
• Patrick Cantlay
• Lucas Glover
• Min Woo Lee