Jon Rahm's stance on LIV Golf CEO made clear after behind-the-scenes decisions

Jon Rahm has weighed in on the sweeping changes brought about by new LIV Golf CEO Scott O'Neil. In a significant shake-up, LIV announced in January that O'Neil had taken over from Greg Norman as the tour's chief executive. Norman, a two-time major champion, had been at the helm since the start of the breakaway tour.

While O'Neil does not possess Norman's golfing pedigree, he boasts an impressive history in sports management. Formerly at the helm of Madison Square Garden Sports, he managed the New York Knicks and New York Rangers before taking charge as CEO of the Philadelphia 76ers. Half a year into O'Neil's tenure, ex-world No.1 golfer Rahm has shared insights into the behind-the-scenes shifts he's spotted on the LIV circuit.

"The circuit has just over 40 tournaments, which is less than a full year of the European Tour (DP World Tour) or the PGA Tour," Rahm told Marca. "And, to begin with, it has more logistical problems because we travel all over the world. The European Tour does it too, but the PGA Tour does it a little less.

"I think there are internal improvements that are not visible to the public. As a League, a lot of things are improving. Especially in the communication with the players and the teams. I don't know what else to say without talking too much about things that we can say or not. I don't know what is public and what isn't. I don't know much, I do my own thing.

"It's been very good to have someone from outside golf like Scott [O'Neil], although Greg (Norman) did very well at the beginning. Greg was necessary.

"Scott is someone who has experience in different leagues in basketball and hockey. Aside from the politics of golf, I think it's been very good for us to improve as a league and to re-establish conversations with the rest of the stakeholders."

One of the key challenges facing O'Neil in his position is the potential merger between LIV and the PGA Tour. A framework agreement for a merger was declared over two years ago, but a deal has yet to be finalised, despite President Donald Trump mediating talks between the two sides earlier this year.

At the Travelers Championship last month, when asked about the merger, new PGA CEO Brian Rolapp said in a press conference: "When it comes to that situation particularly, I think the fans have been pretty clear. They want to see the best golfers competing against each other. I think everybody as a golf fan. I agree with that.

"When it comes to the situation with LIV, I think that's a complex situation that's probably something I should learn more about before I speak. But I will say my focus is on growing the [PGA], making it better and really moving on from the position of strength that it has."

Despite LIV competitions not currently being eligible for world ranking points, leading players like Rahm have still been able to participate in major tournaments thanks to a range of exemptions. Since O'Neil took up his position, new qualification criteria at the US Open and the Open Championship ensured places for players based on the LIV standings.

O'Neil recently rebuffed the idea that a merger between the PGA and LIV Golf is necessary. Still, he had high praise for his PGA counterpart, Rolapp and expressed optimism about working together in the future.

Speaking on about the potential for a merger, O'Neil responded: "I'm not sure it's the right question.

"Are there opportunities for our golfers to play more golf together? Absolutely. Is Brian being here going to facilitate that at a faster pace than otherwise? Of course. I'm still the new guy at six months, Brian's still the new guy at six minutes. Hopefully it leads to good things."