Spanish golfer Jon Rahm positioned himself as a serious contender for the PGA Championship title after firing a third-round 67 on Saturday, though he made clear his attention remains fixed on claiming another major championship rather than addressing concerns about LIV Golf’s prospects.
The two-time major winner, who captured the 2021 U.S. Open and 2023 Masters titles, carded five birdies against two bogeys to reach four under par at Aronimink Golf Club near Philadelphia. He momentarily held a share of the lead before dropping a stroke at the final hole, leaving him one shot off the pace.
Improved course conditions led to better scoring throughout the field on Saturday, enabling Rahm to temporarily reach the top of the leaderboard before settling into a crowded group of contenders entering Sunday’s final round.
While LIV Golf players continue drawing scrutiny, Rahm dismissed questions about whether a championship victory at Aronimink might help the tour’s standing as it grapples with financial uncertainty ahead.
The Saudi Arabia-backed Public Investment Fund, which has invested over $5 billion in LIV since the circuit began in 2022, announced last month it will discontinue funding after the 2026 season concludes, forcing the tour to seek alternative financial support.
“Honestly, in a week like this one, I’m thinking more about myself,” Rahm explained to reporters when questioned about whether winning could assist LIV Golf in securing new investors.
“I’m not going to take on anything outside what I can control when it comes to competing tomorrow.”
Rahm noted that claiming another major championship would hold special meaning for his country’s golf legacy and his own quest to complete the 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.
Following a series of disappointing major championship results since switching to LIV Golf in late 2023, Rahm’s solid performance this weekend has him positioned for his strongest finish in one of golf’s premier events since his Masters victory.
