Rahm backs Jay Monahan: 'I think he's done a fantastic job'

While a number of players have spoken out against Jay Monahan in the wake of the framework agreement with Saudi PIF, the PGA TOUR commissioner gained support from a very important figure on Tuesday in Jon Rahm.

The Masters champion and current World No. 3 met with the media at The Open prior to the season's final major, and he threw his backing behind Monahan.

"As it comes to what he's been doing for us and the PGA TOUR - I think he's done a fantastic job," Rahm told reporters. "I would say it was unexpected what happened. I think what the management of the PGA TOUR, that the turn they took without us knowing, was very unexpected, but I still think he's been doing a good job.

"Right now after that happened, I only think it's fair to give them the right time to work things out. I still think they have the best interests of the players at heart and all we have right now is a framework agreement. It's an agreement to have an agreement so we really don't have anything right now to be able to say or judge what they have done."

Rahm's words strike a significantly different tune than those of a number of top players since the agreement was announced at the end of May.

Xander Schauffele and Jordan Spieth both mentioned at last week's Scottish Open that Monahan has to build back the players' trust following the shocking decision to partner with the Saudi PIF.

There's also the matter of compensation for those who turned down the move to LIV Golf and stayed loyal to the PGA TOUR. A number of top stars, including Rory McIlroy, have discussed some form of reward for the loyalists, but that's not something Rahm is looking for should the framework agreement result in a deal.

"I wasn't forced into anything. It was my choice to stay. Do I think there absolutely should be and must be compensation? No. I chose to stay because I think it's the best choice for myself and for the golf I want to play," Rahm said.

"Now, with that said, if they want to do it, I'm not going to say no. We all had the chance to go to LIV and take the money and we chose to stay on the PGA TOUR for whatever reason we chose. I've said before, I already make an amazing living doing what I do. I'm extremely thankful and that all happened because of the platform the PGA TOUR provided me. As far as I'm concerned, they've done enough for me and their focus should be on improving the PGA TOUR and the game of golf for future generations."

Rahm tees off in search of his second major of the season alongside McIlroy and Justin Rose at 2:59 p.m. local time (9:59 a.m. ET) on Thursday at Royal Liverpool.