Golf star Rahm quitting LIV tour over ‘unacceptable’ terms

Jon Rahm, a highly regarded golfer, is ceasing his participation in LIV Golf due to the terms being deemed unacceptable, according to his lawyer. This move presents a significant setback for the struggling breakaway league as it seeks to relaunch next year as LIV 2.0 with new investors. Alongside fellow golfing star Bryson DeChambeau, Rahm was one of the most prominent players to defect from the PGA Tour to join the Saudi-backed league, which was backed by an estimated $5 billion investment from the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia.

However, LIV filed for bankruptcy protection last month due to unpaid debts to around 1,000 creditors, including the star players Rahm, DeChambeau, and Dustin Johnson, who owe over $5 million in immediate past-due payments. Despite the financial troubles, BC Partners Credit, the new lead investor, has pledged an initial funding commitment of up to $300 million to aid LIV's relaunch in 2027.

The tour is planning a shorter schedule and reduced prize money for its revamped version, with events scheduled across five continents, including Australia, South Africa, Mexico, England, Hong Kong, and the US. Rahm has independently reviewed the proposed terms of LIV 2.0 and determined them unacceptable, leading to his decision not to participate in the relaunch.

Ongoing negotiations for a consensual separation agreement between Rahm and LIV are expected to be presented before a US Bankruptcy Court in New Jersey next month. If no agreement is reached, Rahm intends to pursue legal action.