Jon Rahm makes tough choice to leave LIV Golf after Bryson DeChambeau’s decision is set
Jon Rahm has decided to end his time with LIV Golf, but it’s going to cost him a huge amount of money. When Rahm left the PGA Tour to join the new Saudi-backed LIV Golf league before the 2024 season, it shocked many golf fans. As the reigning Masters champion, he was reportedly set to earn up to £258 million over several years. Now, by leaving LIV Golf, Rahm is giving up around £75.5 million.
Over the past six months, LIV Golf has faced a lot of problems after Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund said it would stop funding the league after 2026. This made many top players unsure about the future and led to talks of them possibly leaving. LIV Golf then announced a new version called LIV 2.0, hoping to keep big names like Rahm on board. But Rahm said the new conditions were “unacceptable” and chose to end his contract early.
By doing this, Rahm gave up all money he was owed, including £75.5 million, and also the £5.7 million he was owed when LIV went bankrupt last month. On the bright side, this deal allows Rahm to control his own future and manage his name, image, and team rights. The agreement still needs approval from a US bankruptcy judge, with a hearing set for November 5.
After that, Rahm will be free to decide what to do next, and many fans hope he might return to the PGA Tour.
Another big LIV Golf star is Bryson DeChambeau, who joined in June 2022 with a contract reportedly worth £92.5 million. Although he’s been a strong LIV supporter, recent court papers linked to LIV’s bankruptcy show that over a dozen players, including DeChambeau, have been released from their contracts. Now, players like DeChambeau, Dustin Johnson, Cameron Smith, Talor Gooch, and Anthony Kim are free to choose where they want to play in 2027.
While DeChambeau hasn’t decided to leave LIV, he can now negotiate with other leagues without the same financial risks that Rahm faced. However, reports suggest he’s likely to stay with LIV 2.0, possibly gaining a stake in the new version of the league.
Fans will be watching closely as these players navigate their golf futures!