Confirmation that Jon Rahm will play no role in LIV Golf in its post-Saudi form will likely only be the start of a mass exodus from the separatist circuit.
At a bankruptcy hearing on Wednesday, Rahm’s lawyer said the “unacceptable” conditions proposed by LIV 2.0 mean the Spaniard will soon withdraw from a tour that still has hopes of continuing its activities. Rahm’s departure from LIV, which he joined in 2023, was inevitable, but remains a blow and an important moment given his status in his sport.
“Mr. Rahm has independently reviewed the proposed terms of LIV 2.0 and has determined that those terms are unacceptable to him and that he will no longer participate in LIV 2.0,” said the two-time major winner’s attorney, John Beck.
Those familiar with the LIV situation expect a group of other players, including Tyrrell Hatton, Tom McKibbin, Cameron Smith, Joaquin Niemann and Adrian Meronk, to also flee the scene when the legalities allow. The initial habitat for these players, from the start of next season, will likely be the DP World Tour. LIV faces a race against time to secure commitment from even average quality players in its mission to continue 75-player events through 2027.
Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) abruptly confirmed in April that it would end funding for the LIV at the end of 2026. The PIF is estimated to have spent more than $5bn (£3.8bn) on the project, which aimed to challenge established golf circuits. LIV began Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings in the United States last month, which was always likely to facilitate the departure of big names like Rahm. They had signed multi-year, multi-million dollar contracts for LIV that had become unaffordable.
Rahm’s representatives are “in advanced discussions for a consensual separation agreement” with LIV. Documents listing creditors had previously shown Rahm had an unsecured claim of $7.5 million (£5.7 million).
The status of Bryson DeChambeau, LIV’s latest marquee name, is unclear. DeChambeau is known to have little appetite to return to the PGA Tour in the United States, with the feeling believed to be mutual. DeChambeau’s preference has always been an extended version of the LIV, but this competitive model remains subject to many questions.
LIV Golf, as well as BC Partners Credit, were outwardly optimistic about their future. “Our goal is to facilitate LIV Golf’s exit from the restructuring process on a solid financial footing and with new momentum heading into the 2027 season,” Ted Goldthorpe, partner and head of BC Partners Credit, said in a statement. The immediate winner from this mess will probably be the DP World Tour. Golfers should look to this tour for 2027 to potentially return to the PGA Tour. LIV has already cut ties with all but a select few staff.
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LIV entered into a formal restructuring support agreement with BC Partners Credit on Tuesday. Full details of this project, including a potential $300m (£227m) in funding, remain unclear. Scott O’Neil, Managing Director of LIV, said: “We believe deeply in the future of this league and the opportunity to build something distinctive alongside our players. We are delivering on our key milestones and while there is still work to be done, today marks significant progress towards a truly global, player-owned, team-centric league that complements the wider game and creates new opportunities for players, fans, partners and the next generation of golfers.”
Rahm withdrew from this week’s Spanish Open in Madrid in order to stay home as his wife, Kelley, is expecting their fourth child. He previously settled a dispute with the formerly European DP World Tour that could have impacted his future participation in the Ryder Cup.
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