Why Jon Rahm could yet be the biggest winner if LIV Golf is shut down
Photo by Andrew Redington/Getty Images Jon Rahm is arguably the biggest star in LIV Golf right now, with the two-time defending champion currently leading the individual standings. He has claimed two wins this season, along with three runner-up finishes and one fifth-place finish elsewhere. But his future in the sport is now up in the air, along with those of his fellow LIV Golf players, given that its funding from the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF) will end after this season.
Rahm has stayed loyal to LIV Golf amid the recent exits of other high-profile stars such as Brooks Koepka and Patrick Reed, but he’s now likely reconsidering his position. Fortunately, the Spanish superstar may yet find himself as the biggest winner of the entire ordeal if LIV Golf is indeed shut down at the end of 2026. Jon Rahm could yet be the biggest winner from LIV Golf fallout Along with Koepka, Bryson DeChambeau and Cameron Smith, Rahm was offered the chance to return to the PGA Tour via the Returning Member Program.
Only Koepka accepted the terms, and he’s been busy on the PGA Tour since his comeback. Elsewhere, DeChambeau could focus on filming content and may just enjoy great success, with Smith left as the biggest loser amid the LIV Golf fallout. In stark contrast, Rahm could be the biggest winner, not least because of his extraordinary earnings since making the switch.
Rahm tops the LIV Golf career prize money list , which may come as little surprise given his back-to-back titles. Secondly, despite concerns about his Ryder Cup status given his difficult relationship with the DP World Tour, the Spaniard has still been able to play in the prestigious tournament. And he played a crucial role at last year’s event, scoring three points for Team Europe as they defeated the USA at Bethpage Black.
But perhaps most comforting for Rahm is the possibility that he will be welcomed back with open arms by the PGA Tour. Even with his rejection of the Returning Member Program offer, Rahm still has the talent and status to be a superb addition to his former tour. PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp has every right to be stricter with a potential new offer, but he would be foolish to deny a return for a player who can only benefit the product.