Get ready for this, because Jon Rahm might be the next massive name to bail on LIV Golf, and the word on the street is that sources within the league are already pretty much resigned to him walking. This isn’t just a rumor either, James Corrigan of The Telegraph dropped the bombshell report on Thursday, and it could make it incredibly tough for LIV to even secure the cash they need to keep running next season and beyond. Folks, this is a huge moment for professional golf, and it is not looking good for the upstart league.
Rahm Is Reportedly Over LIV’s New Direction (And Who Could Blame Him?)
Apparently, the DP World Tour has already been prepped on Rahm’s intentions, meaning this isn’t some spur-of-the-moment thing. Why’s he so ready to bolt? Rahm isn’t thrilled with LIV’s new direction, which reportedly includes a season with just 10 events and smaller purses. Think about that: a nine-figure contract, only to see the league dial back its ambition with fewer chances to compete and less money on the line. It’s a rough look when you signed up for a revolution and it’s turning into a whimper. What’s wild is how his massive contract might still be honored, possibly in part via an agreement, or even as equity in some “LIV 2.0” model.
Meanwhile, Gabby Herzig of The Athletic reported Wednesday that the DP World Tour is cracking down again, planning to reimpose serious fines and suspensions for LIV golfers who play in conflicting events. Eight LIV golfers got special passes this year, but Rahm wasn’t one of them, even though he struck his own deal back in May. The whole “LIV 2.0” idea of players holding equity with fewer events and smaller purses could cause headaches for the DP World Tour if golfers actually prioritize LIV. But right now, it sounds like Rahm isn’t buying into the vision.
LIV’s Star Power Is Collapsing, And The Money Trail Is Getting Cold
Let’s be real, a Rahm exit would be a brutal blow for LIV. The league is already teetering, facing a seriously tenuous future. Remember the initial explosion? Rahm, Brooks Koepka, Bryson DeChambeau, Dustin Johnson, Cameron Smith all jumping ship from the PGA Tour. It generated so many headlines! But that momentum? Completely stalled. There hasn’t been any significant star power joining since, and now Koepka and Patrick Reed are gone. If Rahm leaves, DeChambeau would arguably be the only big name left that casual fans would even care about. That is a terrible position to be in for any sports league trying to grow.
To make matters worse, the PGA Tour is crushing it, enjoying some of its best ratings in decades. Financially, the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF) that initially bankrolled LIV has pulled back; they’re not there anymore. LIV CEO Scott O’Neil says they’ve got a new lead investor, but the $250-300 million they’re looking for just won’t stretch as far as the previous billions from the PIF. With huge player contracts still on the books and events with purses in the tens of millions, it’s fair to wonder how long LIV can keep the lights on. Koepka was the last major departure, heading back to the PGA Tour in January, agreeing to a $5 million charitable contribution and forfeiting potential PGA Tour equity for five years. That’s a steep price, but it shows where the real future might be.
What’s next for LIV Golf? They’ve got to figure out how to stop the bleeding, and fast, before they lose all their remaining star power.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Bleacher Report.
Leave a Reply