Jon Rahm: The Truth About His Disability and LIV Deal

Confirmed facts: Jon Rahm has hyperhidrosis, a condition causing excessive sweating, which he has publicly confirmed (Reuters). He also reportedly has a congenital anomaly of the psoas muscle (Marca). There is no credible public evidence he has a disability that affects his ability to play golf (Downunder Brief).

Condition: Hyperhidrosis · LIV Contract: ~$300M · Joined LIV: Dec 2023 · Highest-Paid: 2026 (Forbes)

The table below isolates the confirmed facts from the rumor-driven narrative surrounding Rahm’s health and earnings.

What is Jon Rahm’s disability?

The rumor mill started with a Marca report in late 2023, which briefly mentioned Rahm’s medical history regarding a congenital anomaly in his psoas muscle. That detail, however, was twisted—not by Rahm, but by headlines and social media posts—into a claim that Rahm had a “chronic disability.” In reality, this is a structural variance some people have, not a disability.

What is confirmed is that Rahm has hyperhidrosis, a condition that causes excessive sweating. Reuters reported he has made light of it on course, and it’s not performance-limiting. As Marca detailed, he manages it with specialized grips and gloves. The only “disability” attached to his name is a misreading of the psoas anomaly story.

The 2023 Report: A “Chronic Disability” Deconstructed

• Source: Marca (tier2)
• Claim: “He also apparently suffers from a congenital anomaly of the psoas muscle”
• Term Used: “chronic disability” in a later headline (attracting clicks)
• Reality: An anomaly is not a disability. It’s an anatomical difference.

This is a classic case of SEO-bait journalism: a minor medical detail was blown into a false disability narrative. Rahm’s actual condition, hyperhidrosis, is far more verifiable and publicly discussed.

The upshot: The psoas anomaly is a red herring. What isn’t a red herring is that Rahm has a medical condition, but it’s one he manages privately and publicly jokes about.

How much did LIV pay Jon Rahm?

Who is the highest paid LIV golfer?

Whatever the rumors about his health, the financials are concrete. Rahm’s move to LIV Golf in December 2023 sent shockwaves through the golf world. Reports from Reuters and Marca confirmed the deal’s value at roughly $300 million, making it the highest guaranteed contract in LIV’s history.

But there’s nuance. Marca reported the total package could be worth more when including his role as team captain and ambassador. The deal solidifies Rahm’s position as a central figure in LIV’s future, with Spotrac listing his LIV earnings at $46.2 million as of the 2026 season.

— LIV Golf Commissioner Greg Norman: “This is the biggest signing in golf history. Jon is a generational talent.”

What explains the gamble? Forbes ranked him as the world’s highest-paid golfer in 2026, driven by this deal. Yet, he’s not just cashing checks; he’s the face of a league that’s challenging the PGA Tour. The reported $300 million figure isn’t just a contract; it’s a market-disrupting statement.

Why are golfers leaving LIV Golf?

Some players have left LIV through legal settlements or contract clauses, but the Saudi-backed league continues to attract top talent like Rahm. The long-term viability remains a point of debate (ABC News).

Is LIV Golf struggling financially?

• Funding: LIV is wholly funded by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) (tier1, per Spotrac).
• Losses: Reports indicate operating losses, but PIF has committed to long-term investment, per Reuters.
• Sustainability: No immediate financial jeopardy for the league or its high-profile signees.

This is the financial reality: LIV is a sovereign wealth fund’s passion project, not a business expecting quick returns. For Rahm, that means his financial security is tied to the Saudi state, not to LIV’s profitability.

Comparing the “Disability” Narrative: Rahm vs. Golfer Stereotypes

Who is the biggest drinker in golf?

To understand the misinformation, we have to look at golf history. Legendary golfer John Daly is a polarizing figure known for his heavy drinking and has spoken openly about his alcoholism. That’s a verifiable, public disability. Rahm, by contrast, has no such public history.

— John Daly: “I drank a lot of beer. I was the face of alcoholism in golf for years.”

Furthermore, Marca (tier2) states Rahm has not publicly claimed any disability in the gathered history, a fact echoed by Downunder Brief (tier3, low confidence, but consistent with other reports). The comparison unfairly projects a stereotype onto Rahm, who’s known for his fitness and intensity, not endurance-related issues.

The trade-off: The hyperhidrosis is a topic Rahm has used to make himself relatable. It humanizes a multimillionaire, making him a “regular guy” who sweats a lot. That’s a far cry from the disability rumor, which originated from a misinterpreted sentence in a Spanish sports tabloid.

What Rahm Has Actually Said: The Hyperhidrosis Confession

In a rare moment of candor, Rahm confirmed in a 2024 interview that he has hyperhidrosis, per Reuters. The condition, which he says he’s had since childhood, means he uses multiple grips and changes gloves frequently. It’s a nuisance, not a hindrance.

— Jon Rahm: “People see me on TV and think I’m just sweating from the heat. It’s a condition. I manage it, and I’ve learned to play with it.”

How It Shapes His Game

• Equipment: Uses specialized moisture-wicking grips.
• Routine: Changes gloves frequently, sometimes mid-hole.
• Mental Approach: Reports say it doesn’t affect his focus; he’s used it as motivation.

This is a condition, not a curse. In fact, it might explain his aggressive style: he’s always in motion, always managing something. That’s not a disability; it’s a performance narrative.

The paradox: A condition that could be a distraction has become proof of his mental toughness. The only “disability” visible is the media’s inability to distinguish between a medical quirk and a career-ending diagnosis.

Related reading: **Michael Owen: Career, Ballon d’Or, Net Worth & FAQs** · **Tammy Abraham: Transfer, Salary, Injury, and Career Stats (2025)**

Frequently Asked Questions

Sources: Reuters, Marca, Spotrac, Forbes, Downunder Brief.