Jon Rahm Departs LIV Golf, Citing 'Unacceptable' Terms for New Iteration
The departure of the two-time major champion adds to the uncertainty surrounding the future of the LIV Golf league.
Jon Rahm has announced his departure from LIV Golf, stating that the terms presented for the league's next phase, LIV 2.0, were unacceptable to him. This decision comes as the breakaway golf circuit faces significant questions about its long-term viability following the withdrawal of funding.
LIV Golf reportedly informed a majority of its staff on Wednesday that their positions were being terminated, reflecting the increasing uncertainty surrounding the tour's future. Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF) previously announced its funding commitment would conclude after the 2026 season. However, the league has reportedly secured potential financing of $300 million from BC Partners Credit.
Rahm's lawyer, John Beck, indicated that Rahm independently reviewed the terms for LIV 2.0 and found them unsuitable. Discussions are reportedly underway between Rahm and LIV concerning a mutual separation agreement. According to BBC Sport, players are not obligated to join LIV 2.0, even if they have existing multi-year contracts. The deadline for the league to finalize terms with its players is October 25.
A LIV Golf spokesman confirmed the scaling back of operations as the league transitions. "The funding commitment announced by PIF earlier this year will reach its conclusion," the spokesman told Golf Digest. "As a result, we are scaling back operations as we transition to the next chapter of LIV Golf and work toward making LIV 2.0 a reality. This week, we informed many of our colleagues that their employment under LIV 1.0 will end in the first week of September. We are grateful to our employees for their hard work and dedication in building LIV Golf, and we remain committed to supporting those affected through this transition."
The LIV Golf circuit, established in 2022 with financial backing from Saudi Arabia's PIF, offered substantial signing bonuses to prominent players such as Brooks Koepka, Dustin Johnson, Bryson DeChambeau, and Jon Rahm, luring them from the PGA Tour and offering prize funds of $20 million. The league has faced disruptions, including the cancellation of an event in New Orleans.