Among the infinite number of questions surrounding LIV Golf and its future, the most intriguing and perhaps most important involves which players choose to stay on board and which look to bolt amid the current state of total uncertainty.
A new report suggests we may get an answer from Jon Rahm – one of the few stars remaining on LIV – sooner rather than later, and the reported answer would be disastrous for the breakaway circuit.
The Telegraph's James Corrigan reported Thursday that the belief within LIV is that Rahm will soon quit the league. The report stated that "LIV sources have indicated that they are almost resigned to Rahm departing."
LIV GOLF CEO QUIETS SPECULATION WITH ANNOUNCEMENT OF NEW INVESTOR TO KEEP CIRCUIT AFLOAT INTO 2027
One does not have to understand the inner workings of LIV Golf, have access to its financials or know every detail there is to know about the new, unnamed investor the league announced for 2027 to understand that a Rahm departure would be devastating.
Rahm, a two-time major champion, leaving LIV Golf wouldn't be a direct comparison to Caitlin Clark leaving the WNBA to play in another league, but it wouldn't be that far off given the circumstances. Bryson DeChambeau leaving LIV Golf would have the same effect as Clark leaving the WNBA.
Any potential investors, including the one LIV CEO Scott O'Neil announced earlier this month, will not be motivated to hand over millions of dollars if one of the biggest stars in the sport isn't a part of the circuit. O'Neil explained that a "term sheet" had been signed by the unknown investor and was hopeful a concrete agreement would be announced in September.
Rahm has two years remaining on his current contract, but the Telegraph, among other outlets, has reported he is still due a nine-figure check of the $300 million signing bonus he signed to join the circuit.
The Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF) announced earlier this year that it was ceasing its funding of LIV Golf at the conclusion of the 2026 season, which may make Rahm receiving what he is presumably owed a complicated endeavor.
Among the many wrinkles in the ongoing and unknown situation involving LIV Golf is the DP World Tour, which granted conditional releases to some LIV players this season so they could compete on both circuits.
The Athletic's Gabby Herzig reported Thursday that those conditional releases being offered in 2027 are "highly unlikely," which would force the hands of Rahm and others to decide if they want to compete on LIV or the DP World Tour.
Whether or not the PGA Tour offers a direct and immediate path for LIV players who opt to leave following the conclusion of the 2026 season is unknown. Past champion categories and major winners, like Rahm, retain some exemptions on Tour, although given how unprecedented the present is and future may be, it's unclear what pathway back would look like.
A Rahm departure from LIV coupled with DeChambeau opting to leave and focus on his YouTube channel, which is something he's mentioned multiple times, wouldn't hurt the future of LIV Golf; it would end it.