In a dramatic show of camaraderie amid escalating global tensions, Jon Rahm stepped up to personally fund a private jet that rescued several stranded LIV Golf players from the Middle East, ensuring they could reach the tour’s event in Hong Kong.
The incident unfolded as conflict intensified in the region, involving U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran followed by retaliatory attacks. Airports across the Middle East, including in Dubai — where many LIV players reside or were practicing — shut down or canceled flights, leaving eight golfers at risk of missing the third event of the 2026 LIV season.
Players including Lee Westwood, Adrian Meronk, Anirban Lahiri, Thomas Detry, Sam Horsfield, Tom McKibbin, Caleb Surratt, and one caddie were stuck, facing chaotic travel options like rerouting through London. Some described the experience as “terrifying” amid missile strikes and uncertainty.
Safely made it to Hong Kong, thank you everyone that helped to reach and thank you for your messages and concerns. Stay safe everyone in UAE and I hope I can home soon 🙌🇦🇪@DXBMediaOffice @dubaitv @Cleeks_GolfClub pic.twitter.com/AhUiQgO5eY
— Adrian Meronk (@AdrianMeronk) March 4, 2026
Enter Rahm, the two-time major champion and LIV standout. He commissioned a charter jet (reportedly through his partnership with VistaJet) and arranged for it to pick up the group from Muscat, Oman. Players crossed the border from Dubai by bus to board the direct flight to Hong Kong.
Seven of the eight made it safely on the jet, arriving just in time for the tournament’s opening round. Laurie Canter, the eighth, was not on board but is expected to tee off as planned.
Reports suggest Rahm footed the bill himself for the long-haul charter, with estimates around $250,000 for the Oman-to-Hong Kong route. While LIV explored alternatives, Rahm’s intervention provided a faster, more direct escape from the war-torn area.
