Jon Rahm officially leaves LIV Golf: What we know

Jon Rahm is officially leaving LIV Golf. His representative announced the decision Wednesday, Oct. 7, during the league’s bankruptcy hearing, delivering a major blow to LIV’s future.

Attorney John Beck of Dentons U.S., LLP, representing Rahm and his entity, Rahm, LLC, said: “Mr. Rahm has independently reviewed the proposed terms of LIV 2.0 and has determined that those terms are unacceptable to him, and he will not be participating going forward in LIV 2.0.”

Why it is not necessarily a surprise

LIV Golf ended its 2026 season amid major problems. After Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, or PIF, cut off funding, the league canceled events, shortened its postseason, fired most of its staff and filed for bankruptcy.

Court filings indicate that Rahm is still owed more than $100 million over the remaining years of his contract. The exact structure of his original deal has never been officially confirmed, although it was previously reported at roughly $350 million. The terms proposed for LIV 2.0 in 2027 and beyond, a plan centered on player equity, apparently did not make up for that amount.

What happens to his contract

The two sides are in “advanced discussions” and are working toward a “consensual separation agreement of Mr. Rahm and LIV” by the end of next week, Oct. 15.

Rahm’s contract was the only existing LIV agreement that had not been rejected during the bankruptcy proceedings. Instead, its hearing was adjourned until Nov. 5, giving the sides time to reach an agreement. If they do not, they will return before the judge.

Can Rahm return to the PGA Tour

The PGA Tour has made clear that it will not negotiate the potential return of current LIV players until they are out of their LIV contracts. Tour sources confirmed Wednesday that the same policy applies to Rahm.

Brooks Koepka rejoined the PGA Tour at the beginning of 2026, and Rahm was offered an opportunity to do the same. He declined and played the full LIV season. His specific route back remains unclear. PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp has indicated that the Tour will not roll out the red carpet.

Rahm’s departure from the PGA Tour in late 2023 was especially significant. He was the reigning Masters champion and a top-three player in the world, making his move one of LIV’s biggest coups. Less than three years later, the situation has changed completely.

Where Rahm could play

Rahm could potentially play on the DP World Tour next season. That has been the path taken by Patrick Reed, who is suspended by the PGA Tour but leads the Race to Dubai after multiple wins this season.

There is one important difference. Depending on the PGA Tour’s ruling on his eligibility, Rahm could also play a limited schedule and rely on his major-championship exemption. His 2023 Masters victory gives him five years of Tour membership, potentially allowing him to return in 2028.

How Rahm has been playing

By Rahm’s standards, his summer was disappointing. He finished runner-up at the PGA Championship and recorded two runner-up finishes in LIV events, including the Indianapolis finale. He also missed the cut at the U.S. Open, finished T46 at The Open Championship and struggled in some LIV events after a three-year stretch in which he had almost never finished outside the top 10.

Rahm remains No. 15 in the Official World Golf Ranking.

Who else is leaving LIV

Brooks Koepka and Patrick Reed have already left the league. Earlier this week, a New Jersey bankruptcy court released Sergio Garcia from his contract, allowing him to plan his future.

Joaquin Niemann has expressed hesitation about returning because of the league’s new structure and uncertain future. Other players left before the 2026 season, either losing their places or choosing not to return, including Henrik Stenson, Kevin Na, Matt Jones and Pat Perez.

Who decides next

It is not known. But the biggest decision-maker may be Bryson DeChambeau, who now becomes LIV’s best player as well as its highest-profile star.

Where Rahm is now

Rahm is at home. Earlier this week, he announced that he would skip the Spanish Open because he and his wife, Kelley, are expecting their fourth child “any day.” This article is based on Dylan Dethier’s report for GOLF.com, with additional lawyer comments reported by The Athletic and transcribed by David Rumsey of Sports Business Journal.