Jon Rahm’s Brutal Dilemma: 3 Choices, Zero Perfect Fits
Jon Rahm Might Leave LIV Golf: A Simple Guide to What Happens Next
The Big Picture: A Golfer at a Crossroads
Imagine you joined a new sports league because they offered you a huge pile of money. But now, that league is having money troubles, your friends are leaving, and you’re not sure you’ll get all the cash you were promised. That’s basically where Jon Rahm — one of the best golfers in the world — finds himself right now.
Sources say Rahm may soon quit LIV Golf, the Saudi-backed league he joined in late 2023. His former teammate Brooks Koepka already jumped ship earlier this year. Now Rahm has to pick his next move, and none of the options are perfect.
Three Main Options for Rahm
Option 1: Go Back to the PGA Tour (The "Home" Choice)
Why it makes sense:
- Rahm lives in the U.S. with his family
- The PGA Tour has the biggest prize money, toughest competition, and most TV exposure
- It’s where he built his career before leaving
Why it’s tricky:
Important: The PGA Tour isn’t rolling out a red carpet. They’re still mad Rahm left for LIV after the two sides had announced a "Framework Agreement" to work together.
What Rahm might face:
- Financial penalties — He may have to pay back money or pay fines
- Restricted playing privileges — He might not get into all tournaments automatically
- Possible apology — Tour officials might want him to say sorry (though it’s unclear exactly for what or to whom)
- Cold shoulder from peers — Many PGA Tour players feel Rahm used them as leverage for the Saudis and don’t want to welcome him back quickly
The Koepka Comparison: Brooks Koepka left LIV while he still had time on his contract and negotiated his return. Rahm would be leaving because he has to — knowing he won’t get all his promised money. That’s a weaker bargaining position.
Option 2: Play on the DP World Tour in Europe
Why it makes sense:
- Rahm already settled his fines with the European tour and was welcomed back
- He could keep playing high-level golf
- It keeps him eligible for the Ryder Cup (Europe vs. USA team event)
Why it’s tricky:
- Smaller prize money — Purses are much lower than PGA Tour or LIV
- Far from home — Rahm’s family is based in the U.S.
- Contract expires end of 2026 — The DP World Tour says they might bring back fines for players who keep playing LIV events in 2027
- Could get "stuck" in Europe — The PGA Tour might reduce the number of tour cards available to European players, or make LIV guys wait 1-2 years before earning a path back to America
The Hidden Strategy: PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp might actually like this option. If top players like Rahm, Tyrrell Hatton, and Joaquín Niemann boost the European tour, it could reduce the millions the PGA Tour currently sends over to prop it up.
Option 3: Stay with LIV Golf (The "Sink or Swim" Choice)
Why it’s the least appealing:
Important Callout: Staying at LIV would be like "accepting part ownership of a house that’s on fire, uninsured, and built on a toxic dump."
The problems:
- LIV isn’t selling tickets for some events
- CEO Scott O’Neil’s promises about a "lifeline" may not be enough
- Rahm is owed significant money he’ll likely never see in full
- Equity in "LIV 2.0" = ownership in a failing business
- The league might only survive as a tax write-off for Saudi investors
The only two stars keeping LIV relevant: Bryson DeChambeau (the showman) and Jon Rahm (the credible competitor). DeChambeau is staying. Rahm is the one with one foot out the door.
Who’s Advising Rahm?
Here’s a hopeful sign: Rahm was spotted playing golf with Jimmy Dunne — a longtime friend and former PGA Tour board member who isn’t afraid to give honest, tough advice.
Dunne helped negotiate the original Framework Agreement with the Saudis. He knows exactly how the PGA Tour thinks. If anyone can tell Rahm the hard truths he needs to hear — not just what he wants to hear — it’s Dunne.
Summary: Rahm’s Tough Decision
| Option | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| PGA Tour | Home, big money, best competition | Penalties, restricted access, possible apology, peer resentment |
| DP World Tour | Ryder Cup eligible, already welcomed back | Less money, far from family, fines may return, could get stuck in Europe |
| Stay at LIV | No immediate move required | Likely unpaid contract, failing league, "burning house" investment |
The bottom line: Rahm needs to make the smart decision, not the proud one. That means accepting whatever consequences come with leaving — and listening to advisors like Jimmy Dunne who’ll give him the unvarnished truth.
FAQ: Your Questions Answered
1. Why did Jon Rahm join LIV Golf in the first place?
He was offered a massive guaranteed contract (reportedly $300M+) by the Saudi-backed league. At the time, LIV was recruiting top players to challenge the PGA Tour’s dominance.
2. What is the "Framework Agreement" mentioned in the article?
In June 2023, the PGA Tour and Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) announced a surprise deal to work together and end their legal war. Rahm joined LIV months after this announcement — which angered PGA Tour players who felt he undermined the peace process.
3. Who is Yasir, and why is the "Good Ship Yasir" sinking?
Yasir Al-Rumayyan is the governor of Saudi Arabia’s PIF — the money behind LIV Golf. The "sinking ship" metaphor means LIV Golf is in serious financial trouble: not selling tickets, cutting costs, and possibly only surviving as a tax strategy for Saudi investors.
4. Why can’t Rahm just go back to the PGA Tour like nothing happened?
The PGA Tour has rules and consequences for players who left for LIV. They also have to consider politics: letting Rahm back easily would upset the players who stayed loyal. Tour CEO Brian Rolapp has to weigh the business value of having Rahm vs. the political cost of angering his membership.
5. What happens if Rahm picks the DP World Tour but wants to return to the PGA Tour later?
He might have to wait 1-2 years and earn his way back through performance. The PGA Tour could also reduce the number of "tour cards" (membership spots) given to top European players — making the path back even harder.
Updated August 17, 2026 • Based on reporting from Golfweek/USA Today