Reigning Masters champion Jon Rahm is no longer affiliated with TGL, the simulator golf league launched by Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy.
Rahm, the two-time major champion and current No. 3 golfer in the world,joined Justin Thomas as the first two players to sign up for the league in November 2022. On Thursday, the 28-year-old Spaniard said he elected to bow out.
"I am sad to confirm that I will not be participating in the first TGL season," Rahm wrote on Twitter. "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 (involved) and may the best team win!"
TGL officials confirmed the move as well.
"Jon is one of the most talented players in the game and we will miss him during the inaugural TGL season," TGL officials said in a statement.
"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."
Devised in 2022, the League will take place in a purpose-built facility, which accommodates 2,000 fans and describes itself as a "high-tech, high-energy fan experience."
Each match will feature three players representing their teams in a head-to-head match lasting two hours. Players will be micc'd up.
At present, 23 players have signed up to the Golf League roster.
TGL is the next evolution within professional golf. I'm excited to help lead it into the future. https://t.co/0hIHKX5Ic3
— Tiger Woods (@TigerWoods) August 24, 2022
These are Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy, Justin Thomas, Rickie Fowler, Collin Morikawa, Matthew Fitzpatrick, Justin Rose, Xander Schauffele, Max Homa, Adam Scott, Billy Horschel, Tyrrell Hatton, Tommy Fleetwood, Shane Lowry, Tom Kim, Keegan Bradley, Sahith Theegala, Cameron Young, Min Woo Lee, Patrick Cantlay, Lucas Glover, Kevin Kisner and Wyndham Clark.
There are four officially announced teams - Los Angeles Golf Club, TGL Boston, Atlanta Drive GC, TGL New York.
Lowry was signed up to the venture on 5 October last, saying on the league's website: "Everything I've heard about TGL is really intriguing.
"Between Ryder Cups and World Cups, I’ve always enjoyed playing with a partner or for a team. It’s great to see golf being creative and trying new things. I imagine this will be a lot of fun."
With additional material: Reuters
