Golf news: Ryder Cup winner Jon Rahm announces departure from LIV Golf as tour faces bankruptcy
One of the biggest names on the LIV Golf roster, Jon Rahm, has announced that he will be departing the tour, writes Sports News Blitz’s Jay Kennedy.
That announcement was not the only one to be made by the Spaniard this week as he withdrew from the Open de España, with his wife set to welcome the couple’s fourth child.
The former world number one is also not the only Spaniard to publicly announce their termination this week, with Sergio García set to leave the tour too.
Rahm’s departure was confirmed by his lawyer in a bankruptcy hearing that took place on Wednesday.
He leaves LIV after a near three-year tenure, wherein he won three individual titles, but what led to this huge decision from Rahmbo?
Departure decision
The Spaniard’s lawyer, John Beck, told the bankruptcy hearing that the proposed contract terms for the LIV 2.0 revamp were “unacceptable”.
Beck added that Rahm “will not be participating going forward in LIV 2.0”.
Rahm is allegedly owed up to $150 million for the remainder of his LIV Golf contract.
In addition, he tops the list of creditors that are owed money by LIV, with unsecured claims of $7.5m.
However, these debts can be reorganised and do not have an obligation to be paid back instantly due to Chapter 11 protection.
A court hearing will take place on 5 November to finalise the mutual parting of ways.
Dominant spell
Rahm announced his arrival in LIV Golf at the end of 2023, putting pen to paper on a contract believed to be worth around $300m.
Upon joining, he created the ‘Legion XIII’ team, which was first made up of himself as captain, Tyrell Hatton, Caleb Surratt, and Kieran Vincent.
Vincent would leave Legion XIII the following season, with Northern Irishman Tom McKibbin taking his place ahead of the 2025 campaign.
The team claimed the team prize in 2025, narrowly edging out Bryson DeChambeau’s Crushers GC.
The multi-time Ryder Cup winner had solo success too, winning four titles – Greenbrier 2024, Chicago 2025, Indianapolis 2025, and South Africa 2026.
Three individual season titles would likewise go his way as he claimed the 2024, 2025, and 2026 crowns.
READ MORE: NFL Week 5 predictions: Bears to win without Caleb Williams; Jalen Hurts to struggle in London
Prior success
Prior to his move to LIV Golf, the Spaniard had many accolades to his name on the PGA and DP world tours.
He claimed eight victories on the DP World Tour, including three DP World Tour Championships in 2017, 2019, and 2022.
On the PGA Tour, he collected nine titles, with his first coming at the 2017 Farmers Insurance Open.
Rahm also has two majors to his name – the 2021 US Open and the 2023 Masters.
He secured the former at Torrey Pines, converting two clutch birdie putts in a row to clinch the trophy ahead of 54-hole co-leader Louis Oosthuizen.
The green jacket would be collected by Rahm two years later, with a four-stroke victory over Brooks Koepka and Phil Mickelson.
LIV Rahm-ifications
The departure of Rahm will be a damaging blow for LIV Golf as he has arguably been the most dominant player on the tour since his arrival.
The recent positive buzz for LIV did not last long at all, with the new potential investment of $300m from BC Partners Credit being announced earlier this week.
Rahm follows the likes of Koepka and Patrick Reed as major champions to depart the tour.
This huge farewell adds to the big list of LIV concerns after declaring Chapter 11 bankruptcy last month.
Final thoughts
Things could not have been timed worse for LIV Golf, with one of the biggest names on the roster leaving just when hope arose for the 2027 season.
The termination gives the two-time major winner several options for his next step.
Rahm could decide to return to the PGA Tour, but he would have to wait a year due to LIV players being banned automatically for one year.
However, he could follow the Reed route and play on the DP World Tour to hopefully gain access back to the PGA Tour.
It will be an interesting next few weeks and months for not only Rahm, but all golf fans.
Everyone will be wondering what the former world number one decides to do next.
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Premier League betting tips: Goals galore in Liverpool v Man City; Leeds Utd to test Arsenal
