Jon Rahm Exits LIV Golf Citing Unacceptable Contract Terms

Former world number one Jon Rahm has announced his departure from the LIV Golf circuit, a significant blow to the struggling league as it navigates bankruptcy proceedings. Rahm’s lawyer, John Beck, informed a bankruptcy court on Wednesday that the two-time major champion decided to leave after reviewing the details of what the parties refer to as “LIV 2.0,” deeming the proposed conditions unacceptable.

“Mr. Rahm has independently reviewed the proposed terms… 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 in late 2023, eight months after capturing his second major title at the Masters, and went on to win three consecutive season-long individual championships on the tour.

The announcement comes as LIV Golf fights to emerge from Chapter 11 protection filed in New Jersey last month. The initial filing identified several star players as creditors owed millions in unpaid claims, with Rahm holding the largest player claim at $7.5 million.

Rahm is not the only high-profile golfer seeking relief from the league. Other players have asked a US bankruptcy judge to help terminate their contracts and clarify their ability to negotiate with outside tournament organizers and sponsors as LIV fails to honor payments. While LIV has already agreed to terminate Sergio Garcia’s contract, lawyers for Bryson DeChambeau, Cameron Smith, An Byeong-hun, Marc Leishman, Cameron Tringale, and Matthew Wolff are also seeking to be released from their old agreements.

Earlier this week, LIV secured up to $300 million in funding from BC Partners to support its restructuring and financial strengthening ahead of the 2027 season. The financing, which is subject to bankruptcy court approval, would allow players to become equity owners under the new league structure. However, for Rahm, the terms did not meet his standards, marking the end of his tenure with the breakaway circuit.