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Former world number one Lee Westwood says he is currently “unemployed” after opting not to sign up for the proposed “LIV 2.0” circuit or engage in formal discussions about returning to the DP World Tour. Meanwhile, fellow European Ryder Cup star Jon Rahm has spoken publicly for the first time since leaving LIV Golf, explaining his decision to walk away from the breakaway league’s new direction.
Westwood Weighs Options Amid LIV 2.0 Uncertainty
The 53-year-old Englishman was among the initial marquee players who joined LIV Golf when it debuted in 2022. However, the league’s long-term future was thrown into doubt after Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) withdrew its financial backing—having invested over $5 billion (£3.8 billion)—leading LIV to file for bankruptcy protection last month.
To keep the venture afloat, LIV is seeking around $300 million (£224 million) in financing from BC Partners Credit to launch LIV 2.0 in 2027, though only a small group of golfers have committed to the plan so far.
In an interview on The Chipping Forecast podcast, Westwood clarified his contractual status. “I’m currently unemployed,” Westwood said. “There hasn’t been anything presented to me that is agreeable for LIV 2.0, there are still a lot of things on that which need fine-tuning. I haven’t signed for 2.0. I haven’t signed anything.”
Westwood previously drew criticism for accepting lucrative LIV contracts and defending the league on social media, a move that cost him the opportunity to captain the European Ryder Cup team in 2023. Nevertheless, he noted that the financial gains provided him with future stability.
“I’ve made a fortune over the last four and a half years,” added Westwood, who is reported to have earned £16 million in prize money on the LIV circuit. “I don’t really have to play golf again, but I still love playing golf so it’s given [me] the option what to do over the next few years.”
Westwood observed that while LIV’s initial structure involved “too much waste,” he believes a refined model could work if it successfully attracts top talent in the future.
Rahm Explains Decision to Exit LIV Circuit
Jon Rahm, speaking at the Abu Dhabi Championship in his first event since securing a separation agreement in October, detailed why he chose to leave LIV rather than participate in its reorganization.
The 31-year-old Spaniard and two-time major winner originally joined LIV while holding the Masters title in a deal valued at a reported $300 million (£222 million). According to ESPN reporting cited in the source, Rahm parted ways with LIV with $100 million (£75 million) still owed on the remainder of his contract.
“As much as I liked the project and the idea on, let’s say, LIV 1.0, I wasn’t thrilled with the changes they were doing to 2.0,” Rahm said. “It wasn’t anything special, anything that stood out. I just didn’t like where they were going with 2.0.”
Rahm explained that the tournament’s shift away from its original format played a major role in his departure. “There were too many unknowns,” he added. “It seemed like it was going a bit away from team golf. It became more of a regular tournament. It wasn’t really ever much of a consideration.”
Rahm’s exit follows a wave of recent departures from LIV Golf, including high-profile players Sergio Garcia, Ian Poulter, Tyrrell Hatton, and Graeme McDowell.
Potential Path Back to the DP World Tour
If Westwood decides against joining LIV 2.0, he could potentially pursue a return to the DP World Tour, where he has accumulated 25 victories and featured in 11 Ryder Cups. However, rejoining the tour requires fulfilling disciplinary requirements.
To play on the European circuit again, Westwood must serve a 10-tournament suspension imposed when he resigned his membership to enter the LIV league.
“I’m yet to have everything put out in front of me. I’ve not really had any sort of dialogue with the European Tour,” Westwood said. “I know that if I sign up on 12 November, I’ve got to serve a 10-tournament suspension, which takes me through the South African Open. The first event I could play would be Turkey in May. But I’m not even sure about that yet.”
