The short version
- Jon Rahm remains tight-lipped about his future with LIV Golf as the organization scales back operations and loses primary funding from the Public Investment Fund.
- The two-time major winner is returning to the Irish Open seeking a third victory, aiming to join Seve Ballesteros in the tournament's history books.
- While some peers have returned to the PGA Tour, Rahm notes that his agreement with the DP World Tour expires at the end of the current season.
Jon Rahm has adopted a stance of cautious neutrality regarding his professional future as LIV Golf faces significant structural changes. The Spanish golfer, currently preparing for the Irish Open in County Clare, declined to offer definitive predictions about whether he will remain with the breakaway tour next year. His comments come against a backdrop of growing instability for the organization, which has confirmed it is scaling back operations and has laid off staff members in early September.
The uncertainty stems largely from the withdrawal of financial backing by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund. This development has cast doubt on the long-term viability of the tour, leading to the cancellation of the team championship in Detroit and an earlier-than-planned conclusion to the 2026 season. Despite these disruptions, Rahm’s teammate Tyrrell Hatton has expressed optimism that the tour will continue into the next calendar year, suggesting that a complete collapse is not yet inevitable.
When pressed on whether he knows what lies ahead, Rahm indicated that his perspective has not shifted significantly since previous interviews. He described the situation as fluid, noting that numerous variables remain in play and that only time will clarify the outcome. Rather than engaging in speculation, the thirty-one-year-old emphasized his ability to manage professional turbulence, a skill he claims to have refined during his tenure with the organization.
Rahm’s immediate focus remains on competition rather than corporate maneuvering. He is set to tee off at the Irish Open for the first time since securing his second title at Lahinch in 2019. A victory at Doonbeg would mark his third win at the event, allowing him to join compatriot Seve Ballesteros as one of the few golfers to achieve this milestone. His previous triumphs include a win at Portstewart in 2017, which served as his first title on the DP World Tour.
The golfer’s recent form has been strong, having secured two victories during the 2026 LIV season to claim his third consecutive individual title. He also finished tied for second at the USPGA Championship in May, demonstrating consistent high-level performance despite the surrounding business drama. Rahm acknowledged that his game felt less than ideal upon arrival in Ireland due to windy and wet conditions, but he recalled a similar scenario during his previous Irish Open win where poor early feelings gave way to success.
The broader landscape for LIV players is shifting as well. Earlier this year, the DP World Tour reached an agreement with several LIV participants, including Rahm and Hatton, allowing them to compete in sanctioned events without penalty. However, this arrangement is limited to the current season and does not guarantee future access. Meanwhile, other major winners such as Brooks Koepka and Patrick Reed have chosen to leave LIV entirely, opting instead for a return to the PGA Tour.
Rahm did not rule out a similar path but stopped short of committing to any specific direction. He suggested that his next steps will depend on how events unfold in the coming months. After the Irish Open concludes, he is scheduled to compete at the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth, which serves as the flagship event for the DP World Tour. This appearance highlights the complex dual-status many players currently navigate.
The atmosphere at Doonbeg is expected to be charged with both sporting and business intrigue. Donald Trump is slated to attend the event, adding a layer of high-profile visibility to the tournament. For Rahm, however, the priority remains adapting to local conditions and overcoming jet lag. He expressed confidence in his ability to perform well, citing his strong play throughout the year as evidence that he can replicate past successes regardless of how his practice sessions feel.
As the golfing world watches closely, the Irish Open serves as a microcosm of the larger tensions within the sport. Players must balance immediate competitive goals with long-term career planning in an era of unprecedented fragmentation. Rahm’s approach—focusing on the present while acknowledging the uncertainty of the future—reflects a pragmatic strategy for navigating these turbulent times.
The outcome of this tournament may not resolve the broader questions surrounding LIV Golf, but it will provide insight into Rahm’s current form and mindset. Whether he secures another title or faces disappointment, his performance will be scrutinized through the lens of his impending decision. For now, the golfer remains focused on getting comfortable with the surroundings and letting the game speak for itself.
Sources behind this briefing
Go to the original reporting
- BBC Sport↗Rahm unaffected by LIV 'turbulence'
