It is fair to say LIV Golf’s future as a relevant tour may depend on their ability to keep hold of Jon Rahm and Bryson DeChambeau.
The exits of Brooks Koepka and Patrick Reed have left LIV Golf in a tough spot. Their decisions to return to the PGA Tour have raised doubts about what life on the other side has to offer.
While LIV has retained both Jon Rahm and Bryson DeChambeau for the 2026 season, there are still plenty of questions about whether they will stick around long-term.
Since Koepka left, DeChambeau has been more vocal about some of his concerns. He even raised questions over one particular decision LIV has now taken.
Jon Rahm has a different view on LIV Golf change
DeChambeau made it clear before the 2026 season that he was not happy about LIV Golf’s decision to move to 72-hole events, pointing out that this was not what he had originally agreed to.
On the other hand, Rahm seems to feel differently. Speaking ahead of the new season, he shared his support for the switch.
“I’m happy about it. I would say I was one of the people that pushed for it. So obviously I’m happy about it,” Rahm said.
“I think the more golf we play, the better for stronger teams and stronger players, and I think it will benefit us four individuals and as a team, as well.”
Jon Rahm responds to speculation over DP World Tour penalties
Rahm’s Ryder Cup status remains up in the air, and a big part of that comes down to fines from the DP World Tour that have built up since he joined LIV Golf back in 2023.
He has already said he does not plan on paying those fines. And with LIV no longer covering penalties for their players from 2025, something will need to change if Rahm wants to be available for Adare Manor.
That change could be coming soon. Recent reports indicate the DP World Tour might stop fining LIV players altogether.
Rahm was questioned about those reports, and replied: “I personally would say I don’t know too much about the matter. Obviously I think at first, managers are going to be taking care of that early on. I don’t know what the negotiations look like. Obviously they’re going to players individually to make different deals.
“I don’t know what it may be or what it’s going to look like, but I’m happy to see that looking for a path forward for LIV players to be able to play on both tours and not to get penalized.
“I think the example of players like Tom [McKibbin] or David Puig, who’s now a winner on the European Tour, who just chose the best path possible as young players, shouldn’t be penalized because of the politics of the game.
“The fact that they’re looking at a positive way to figure it out, I think it’s only good for us, and I think it’s good for the DP World Tour, as well.”
The introduction of the Returning Members Program and ongoing questions about his Ryder Cup eligibility have given Rahm plenty of reasons to reconsider his commitment to LIV Golf in recent months.
LIV should view the Spaniard’s decision as a significant win.
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