Jon Rahm acknowledges that his path back to the PGA Tour is complicated and remains uncertain about what his future holds after leaving LIV Golf. Speaking to SkySports, Rahm admitted he has not yet spoken to the PGA Tour about a potential return and would likely accept the same penalties faced by Brooks Koepka if given the opportunity.
Uncertainty Over PGA Tour Return and Penalties
Rahm quit LIV Golf after finding the terms offered for the proposed relaunch of the breakaway series unacceptable. The league entered Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings in the United States after Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund withdrew financial support at the conclusion of the season, having invested $5bn (£3.7bn) over four years.
At the start of 2026, Rahm declined an offer of reinstatement from the PGA Tour through a specially created Returning Member Program, an option also extended to Bryson DeChambeau, Cameron Smith, and Brooks Koepka. Koepka was the only player who chose to sign up for the program.
As part of that agreement, Koepka returned to the PGA Tour after making a $5m (£3.7m) charitable donation and facing a five-year exclusion from earning tour equity. Currently, Rahm faces a one-year suspension from the PGA Tour before he can win back his card.
Speaking ahead of the DP World Tour’s Abu Dhabi Championship, Rahm stated he does not yet know what 2027 will look like. Until he gains clarity, his plan is to spend a year playing on the DP World Tour.
Reflecting on potential reinstatement terms, Rahm said he seriously doubts he will receive the same deals as Koepka, but confirmed he would probably take the identical penalties if offered.
Reflecting on the LIV Golf Exit
Rahm described his three years with LIV Golf as a positive experience filled with good individual and team golf. However, he decided to leave because he disagreed with the direction of the new iteration of the league, known as LIV 2.0.
According to Rahm, the new path moved away from team golf and core elements that originally defined the circuit, transforming it into a more regular tour with too many unknowns. He noted that deciding to leave was not a difficult consideration in the end.
Rahm will compete at this week’s Abu Dhabi Aldar Championship, with live coverage of the tournament beginning on Thursday.
