Jon Rahm, the former world No. 1 and two-time major champion, has announced he will no longer participate in LIV Golf's planned relaunch, dealing a significant setback to the Saudi-backed breakaway golf tour. Rahm’s lawyer, John Beck, informed a New Jersey bankruptcy court on October 7 that the Spaniard found the proposed terms for the rebranded LIV 2.0 “unacceptable” and will not be part of the league’s future.
Rahm joined LIV Golf in late 2023 after winning the Masters, quickly establishing himself as one of its most prominent players with three consecutive individual season titles. His departure comes amid ongoing financial distress for the league following the decision by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) to cease funding at the end of 2026. LIV Golf filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in September, seeking to restructure and find new investment to support a 2027 season.
The tour’s new management, led by commissioner Scott O’Neil and backed by private equity firm BC Partners, is attempting to secure up to $300 million in financing to facilitate LIV’s reorganization and restart. Under the planned structure, players would have equity stakes in the league and its teams. However, Rahm’s refusal to re-sign highlights the uncertainty facing LIV, even as the organization aims to continue with a reduced schedule of around 10 events, including a flagship tournament scheduled for Adelaide, Australia.
Other high-profile players—including Cameron Smith, Tyrrell Hatton, Tom McKibbin, Marc Leishman, and Bryson DeChambeau—are also reportedly reconsidering their involvement with LIV. Several athletes have requested court approval to be released from their existing contracts, which remain unpaid amid the bankruptcy proceedings, allowing them to explore opportunities with other tours such as the DP World Tour or potentially return to the PGA Tour. While this does not necessarily rule out their participation in LIV 2.0, it underscores the precarious state of the league’s player retention efforts.
Rahm’s decision has drawn reactions from the broader golf community. PGA Tour player Collin Morikawa described the situation as a “business decision,” acknowledging that players must weigh their options carefully, balancing motivation and career goals with the evolving landscape. Reports indicate Rahm is in advanced discussions for a consensual separation agreement with LIV Golf.
Despite these challenges, LIV officials remain publicly optimistic about their future. O’Neil has emphasized the league’s intention to create a distinctive, player-owned, team-focused global platform that complements existing tours. Yet doubts persist, with local organizers and governments expressing reservations; for example, South Australia’s treasurer recently indicated doubts that LIV will hold its scheduled tournament in Adelaide in March.
Rahm’s exit not only removes one of LIV’s most marketable figures but also raises deeper questions about the viability of the relaunch amid legal, financial, and competitive pressures. As LIV Golf navigates bankruptcy restructuring and seeks new avenues, the next months will likely determine whether it can maintain relevance or if a broader player exodus will hasten its decline.