Two-time major winner Collin Morikawa declared the future of LIV Golf players as a “business decision” after reports that Spanish star Jon Rahm is leaving the Saudi-backed breakaway tour. Rahm’s lawyer told a U.S. bankruptcy court today that the golfer would not participate in the proposed “LIV 2.0” and talks over a separation agreement are ongoing.
Rahm’s departure would be a huge boon for LIV Golf as the tour tries to re-establish itself after filing for bankruptcy protection. The league is looking for new investors and plans a relaunch next year, but keeping its biggest names is seen as very important to its future.
Rahm was one of the top players to leave the PGA Tour for LIV Golf, along with Bryson DeChambeau. In doing so the Spaniard attracted much attention across the sport. His decision to leave now means that LIV Golf has to deal with the uncertainty.
Collin Morikawa Calls It A Business Decision
Morikawa, who spoke to AFP in Japan for the PGA Tour’s Baycurrent Classic, said every LIV Golf player will have to make an individual decision on their future.
“It’s a business decision, it’s a decision that a lot of guys aren’t going to take lightly,” Morikawa said.
The American golfer explained that players should be looking at whether or not their tour or platform will be for them to stay motivated to continue to hit the road and continue to pursue their professional goals. He also said he did not know where Rahm would play next.
Morikawa suggested that LIV Golf players could potentially move to the DP World Tour. That development might strengthen the professional golf landscape by bringing more established players into the circuit, he said.
Jon Rahm’s Lawyer Confirms LIV 2.0 Exit Discussions
Rahm's lawyer John Beck said in a hearing in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court of New Jersey that the golfer would “not be participating going forward in LIV 2.0”. Beck also said he was in discussions for a consensual separation agreement with LIV.
The comments came as LIV Golf is in bankruptcy proceedings and is preparing a new structure for the 2027 season. Rahm’s status is therefore a big problem for the league, especially given his profile and standing in world golf.
The Spaniard was one of the headline names who had been tapped by LIV Golf when the tour started bringing in big names with big money offers. His departure could make the competition more difficult to sustain in the long term and the structure of the competition may have to be questioned.
What Happens To LIV Golf Players Next?
Morikawa said many LIV Golf players are now trying to figure out what to do next. While the PGA Tour at one point provided a short-term path back for some players, PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp said in August there were no plans for such a pathway to LIV golfers in the future.
Five-time major champion Brooks Koepka returned to the PGA Tour in January after taking advantage of the temporary route and paying the required financial penalties. But that is not expected to be the norm for other LIV players.
This gives the players options, which could be staying with LIV Golf, with a chance to play on the DP World Tour and/or going to other professional circuits as well.
Morikawa said he hoped the sport would eventually move beyond the divisions created by the emergence of LIV Golf and focus again on the competition itself.
Morikawa Begins Baycurrent Classic Strongly
While the LIV Golf debate was the focal point, Morikawa was also attending the Baycurrent Classic in Japan. The American, who won the tournament in 2023 when it was named after its former name, shot 4-under-par 67 in the opening round at Yokohama Country Club.
Morikawa finished four shots behind early leader Jacob Bridgeman, who opened with an eight-under-par round. England’s Jordan Smith was one shot behind and Xander Schauffele was one-under 70.
Japan’s Hideki Matsuyama also opened with a four-under round.
Jon Rahm and other LIV Golf players’ future prospects are very much at the crossroads of professional golf as the LIV Golf players continue to shape the game landscape. Now that LIV Golf players in particular are on the brink of the relaunch, Rahm, who is currently in the midst of the process of LIV relocating its current relaunch and the way professional golf has changed structure, the fate of Jon Rahm and other LIV Golf players’ futures will be closely tied to the game in its current format.
