Tour Confidential: Jon Rahm's LIV future, U.S. Amateur lessons and Scottie's big win

This week in 'Will LIV Golf Survive?' reports emerged that Jon Rahm might leave the league after the 2026 season. According to the Telegraph, several LIV sources are 'almost resigned' to Rahm's departure, and the DP World Tour is aware of his intentions. Rahm's exit could be a significant blow to the league's efforts to attract new investors and survive in 2027 and beyond.

Josh Schrock, associate news editor, believes that if Rahm exits after the event in Indianapolis, it could be a near-mortal wound for LIV. If reports that the new investor's money is tied to star retention are true, then Rahm leaving would leave LIV 2.0 with Bryson DeChambeau and not much else, assuming other notable names exit behind Rahm.

Dylan Dethier, senior writer, notes that Rahm's departure could seriously affect the league's investments, as Rahm has been its best player since his arrival. Sean Zak, also a senior writer, adds that Rahm leaving would only confirm that the league is floundering.

When Jon Rahm signed with LIV at the end of 2023, his decision seemed timely, not just because of the nine-figure guaranteed money. At that time, LIV had the PGA Tour backpedaling, with indications that the leagues might open channels for players to play on both tours. Today, that possibility has been turned on its head, with the Tour squarely back in the driver's seat.

The 126th U.S. Amateur concluded at Merion on Sunday with Jack Whaley defeating Jay Leng Jr., 4 and 3. The week was full of highlights, from colorful participants to the storied venue and a Charles Barkley cameo. Josh Schrock notes that it was a week for true golf lovers, and Merion made the event feel weightier.

Scottie Scheffler, who had only won once in 2026 before this week, secured a major victory in the first FedEx Cup playoff event, winning the FedEx St. Jude by eight strokes. Josh Schrock suggests that this might have been due to a driver switch or the absence of the issues that had cost him wins this year.

Noted golf enthusiast LeBron James has launched a YouTube channel dedicated to golf, aiming to release monthly videos about his journey in the sport. James hopes viewers will join him on this journey to feel the joy and fun they experience on the course.

If the long lines out the pro-shop door at the U.S. Amateur were any indication, Merion merch, powered by the club's iconic wicker-basket logo, was a hot seller. Josh Schrock believes Merion's logo is one of the best in golf, alongside logos from Augusta National and other renowned clubs.