Jon Rahm is quitting LIV Golf after deciding that the proposed terms of the breakaway circuit’s next phase were unacceptable, his lawyer has told a US bankruptcy court.
John Beck said the former world number one would not take part in what has been described as “LIV 2.0”, dealing a significant blow to the tour as it seeks to emerge from bankruptcy.
“Mr Rahm has independently reviewed the proposed terms of LIV 2.0, as the parties have been referring to it, and has determined that those terms are unacceptable as to him, and he will not be participating going forward in LIV 2.0,” Beck told the court.
Rahm joined LIV Golf in late 2023, eight months after winning the Masters for his second major title. He has since won three consecutive season-long individual titles on the circuit.
The Spaniard was listed as a creditor when LIV Golf filed for Chapter 11 protection in New Jersey last month, with an unsecured claim of 7.5 million US dollars – the largest among the players listed.
Rahm’s departure comes as other golfers seek clarity over their contracts. Lawyers for Bryson DeChambeau, Cameron Smith, An Byeong-hun, Marc Leishman, Cameron Tringale and Matthew Wolff have asked the bankruptcy judge to allow them to leave agreements that have gone unpaid and to confirm that they can negotiate with other tournament organisers and sponsors.
LIV Golf has already agreed to terminate Sergio Garcia’s contract after determining that it would not honour its terms. The release of the other players from their existing contracts would not prevent them from later agreeing to participate in LIV 2.0.
Earlier this week, LIV secured up to 300 million US dollars in proposed financing from BC Partners to support its restructuring and strengthen its position ahead of the 2027 season. The funding remains subject to approval by the bankruptcy court and other conditions.
BC Partners Credit said the financing would support the next phase of LIV Golf, in which players would become equity owners of the league and its teams.
