Jon Rahm pulls the plug: The superstar finds LIV Golf's conditions untenable, dealing a severe blow to the controversial breakaway tour, which is just attempting to recover from bankruptcy. Alongside Bryson DeChambeau, the two-time major winner and former world No. 1, Rahm was arguably the most prominent golfer to switch from the PGA Tour to the lavishly funded, Saudi-backed league.
However, the tour filed for bankruptcy last month after its wealthy Middle Eastern financiers pulled the plug – essentially a collapse. Now, efforts are being made to relaunch next year as "LIV 2.0" with new investors. Keeping Rahm on board was considered absolutely critical for this rebirth. John Beck, Rahm's lawyer, confirmed on Wednesday before the U.S. Bankruptcy Court in New Jersey: "Mr. Rahm independently reviewed the proposed terms of LIV 2.0, as the parties call it, and found these conditions to be unacceptable to him, and he will not participate in LIV 2.0 in the future." That hits hard, golfers. According to Beck, they are in "advanced discussions for an amicable separation agreement," which is expected to be presented to the court next month. Should an amicable agreement not be reached, Rahm intends to "enforce his objection through legal means." LIV Golf declined to comment when asked – surprise!
When LIV Golf launched in 2022, it split the golf world like never before. Many top names were lured away from the PGA Tour with lucrative contracts. The Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF) reportedly pumped an estimated $5 billion into the tour but then abruptly pulled the plug in early 2026. Court documents from the bankruptcy filing paint a grim picture: LIV owes between $500 million and $1 billion in estimated liabilities, distributed among at least 1,000 creditors – including the players. Rahm, DeChambeau, and Dustin Johnson hold the largest unsecured claims against the tour, each for over $5 million in overdue payments, according to the documents.
A silver lining on the horizon? BC Partners Credit has emerged as a new lead investor, providing an initial funding commitment of potentially $300 million for the LIV relaunch in 2027. Tour officials are planning a shorter schedule with reduced prize money and tournaments across five continents – from Australia to South Africa, Mexico, England, Hong Kong, and the USA. Rahm's representatives did not comment on where the 31-year-old will head next. Rumors are circulating that several LIV stars are considering a return to the US-based PGA Tour. However, the PGA Tour has clarified that it currently has no plans to offer LIV players an easy path back. Rahm continues to compete on the DP World Tour but will miss the upcoming Spanish Open to be present for the birth of his fourth child – priorities!
