Since the formation of LIV golf in June 2022, controversy has surrounded the tour with PGA star and world number three Rory McIlroy at the forefront of the backlash the Saudi-based tour has received.
McIlroy became the face of the PGA Tour in the battle that followed, often to his own detriment. His European Ryder Cup partner Jon Rahm opted to defect to LIV last December.
It's not always been smooth sailing for the Spaniard but - compared to the Co Down man, who was so close to winning the Irish Open title - he undoubtedly woke up the happier man today.
Last weekend, Rahm was crowned 2024 LIV Golf individual champion after victory in Chicago securing enough points to claim the season-long race for the $18m individual prize.
Rahm carded a final round bogey-free 66 to finish on 11 under par and beat fellow Spaniard Sergio Garcia by three shots to claim his second victory in his past three LIV events.
on the major circuit, Rahm seemed to lack the intensity of the other elite players. A two-time major winner, Rahm struggled to make an impact in this season's majors, missing the cut at the PGA Championship, finished tied for 45th at the Masters and tied for seventh at the Open.
However, the wait goes on for Rory McIlroy to add to his last major win in 2014 at the PGA Championship in Valhalla. An agonising 2nd place finish at the US Open in Pinehurst was the closest the Northern Irishman got to adding to his collection of titles as a 12th placed finish at the PGA Championship was combined with a 22nd finish at the Masters and a missed cut at The Open.
READ HERE: 'I'm Getting Used To It': Rory McIlroy Raw And Emotional After Irish Open Heartbreak
Rahm's Weekend Victory Secures Eye-Watering Winners Prize
Following his two wins and 12 top-10 finishes this season, Rahm also took home $16.7m in individual earnings during his debut year with LIV. He also scooped an enormous $18 million following his win at the weekend and as reported by The Mirror's Joshua Mbu: a ring crafted with 5.78 carats of pristine white diamonds, 1.2 carats of vivid natural green emeralds and weighing in at 84.8 grams, this 14-carat gold statement piece boasts an embedded QR code.
Compared to McIlroy who earned just under $11 million for his two wins and seven top-10 finishes. McIlroy's season isn't over yet as he'll play at Wentworth this weekend.
Undoubtedly Rahm's earnings have considerably increased since his move to LIV and it is believed he has earned over $500 million in the past 12 months.
Reports suggest Down native McIlroy has earned over $95m on the course over his career but his earnings from sponsorship deals with brands such as Nike, Omega, TaylorMade and others far exceed this.
McIlroy hardly regrets his decision to stick with the PGA Tour, but he clearly chose a more arduous and competitive competitive path.
