Jon Rahm addresses the current state of global men's professional golf: "It's hard to tell"

As Jon Rahm makes his 2025 debut at the Hero Dubai Desert Classic this week, the LIV Golf star shared his thoughts on the current state of men's professional golf. Speaking during a press conference at the Emirates Golf Club, the 30-year-old expressed both optimism and uncertainty about the sport's future.

The Legion XIII captain reflected on golf's progress and the lack thereof since the Framework Agreement was implemented over a year ago. When asked to assess the state of professional golf, Rahm chuckled before candidly responding (via X @jamierkennedy):

"It's hard to tell at this point. I think a lot of us would say that when that Framework Agreement was done over a year and a half ago, things would be further along at this point. I truly don't know what goes on behind those closed doors. I mean, it's up to people much higher up than me. I don't know what their vision is or what they're expecting out of it. I think so many of us want some kind of resolution to come together and get the best product possible out there for the consumers which is what I think we're still in that position to do."

With the Framework Agreement created to unify golf's fragmented environment after the emergence of LIV Golf, the former PGA Tour superstar acknowledged that several professional golfers had hoped to see more changes by now. Rahm added that he remains in the dark about the developments behind the scenes.

Despite the lack of clarity, Rahm seems optimistic about the opportunities the sport currently has and their potential. He said (via X @jamierkennedy):

"I think we're in a golden era right now for golf where the possibilities are endless. You have a big tour in Europe and worldwide you have a massive tour on the PGA Tour and you have another big product with LIV. And now you even add in the TGL. When it comes to golf, the possibilities are there right now and I think with the right minds put together, you can end up with a product that could put golf in a different level in the world of sports. So, I'm still hopeful that can happen."

Here's a look into the scene at the Hero Dubai Desert Classic (via X @jamierkennedy):

As one of the sport's most prominent and influential figures, several fans and players alike resonate with Rahm's perspective on the progress of men's professional golf.

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Jon Rahm's 2025 Hero Dubai Desert Classic Round 1 score

Following the conclusion of the first round of the Hero Dubai Desert Classic, Jon Rahm sits tied for 18th place with seven other players with a score of 3-under par. The LIV Golf star began the day strong with back-to-back birdies on the third and fourth holes.

However, he recorded bogeys on the 7th and 9th holes. Unfazed by the setback, Rahm fired up a stellar eagle on the par five tenth hole of Emirates Golf Club. Here's a full look into his scorecard for January 16 (via DP World Tour):

• Hole 1 (par 4) - 4
• Hole 2 (par 4) - 4
• Hole 3 (par 5) - 4
• Hole 4 (par 3) - 2
• Hole 5 (par 4) - 4
• Hole 6 (par 4) - 4
• Hole 7 (par 3) - 4
• Hole 8 (par 4) - 4
• Hole 9 (par 4) - 5
• Hole 10 (par 5) - 3
• Hole 11 (par 3) - 3
• Hole 12 (par 4) - 4
• Hole 13 (par 5) - 4
• Hole 14 (par 4) - 4
• Hole 15 (par 3) - 3
• Hole 16 (par 4) - 5
• Hole 17 (par 4) - 3
• Hole 18 (par 5) - 5