Jon Rahm Is Reportedly Walking Away From LIV Golf — And The League's Bankruptcy Court Hearing Is Where We Found Out

Golf just got its own breakup storyline, and it was announced in a bankruptcy court. Yes, really.

Jon Rahm, one of LIV Golf's two biggest names, is set to leave the league after deciding the terms of its proposed relaunch are "unacceptable", according to BBC Sport.

Wait, LIV Golf Is Bankrupt?

Buckle up. LIV filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in the US in September after Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund pulled its funding, per BBC Sport. Sky Sports says the PIF had invested $5bn over four years before backing away.

The league has since lined up a possible $300m in financing from BC Partners Credit to try to make a 2027 season happen under the banner of "LIV 2.0".

Rahm, apparently, has looked at the fine print and said no thanks.

The Courtroom Moment

Rahm's lawyer, John Beck, told the hearing that the 31-year-old Spaniard had "independently reviewed the terms of LIV 2.0 and determined those terms are unacceptable as to him," per BBC Sport. Sky Sports adds that Beck said Rahm "will not be participating going forward in LIV 2.0."

Cold. Calm. Very legal.

The Money Bit

Rahm was arguably the most high-profile signing when he left the PGA Tour in December 2023 for a deal reportedly worth about £222m ($300m), according to the BBC.

Now it gets spicy:

• BBC Sport says Rahm tops LIV's list of the 30 largest unsecured creditors, with a claim of $7.5m.
• Sky Sports reports he is owed up to $150m on the remainder of his contract.

Those figures are very different, and the reports don't explain the gap, so we'll just say the numbers are doing a lot.

The Tea ☕

• Rahm will leave LIV over "unacceptable" LIV 2.0 terms, his lawyer told a US bankruptcy court.
• LIV and Rahm's team are reportedly in advanced talks on a separation agreement.
• Sources disagree on timing: BBC Sport says it's hoped to be finalised by a 5 November hearing, while Sky Sports, citing The Athletic, says 15 October.

Meanwhile, Sergio Garcia Is Plotting A Comeback

Because one LIV storyline is never enough: Sergio Garcia successfully asked the court to lift the automatic stay on his contract, which effectively frees him up to explore 2027, per Sky Sports. Rahm, reportedly, was not granted the same route out.

Garcia says he's "desperate" (Sky's word) to be part of next year's Ryder Cup at Adare Manor, as a player or a vice-captain. "I think everything is an option," he told reporters in Madrid.

He's also not ruling out the PGA Tour or even the Champions Tour. Europe's all-time leading Ryder Cup points scorer is clearly not done writing his next chapter.

So What Does Rahm Do Next?

Good question. Here's what the reports say:

• In May he settled his dispute with the DP World Tour, paying around £2.21m in fines, which keeps him eligible for next year's Ryder Cup.
• He turned down the PGA Tour's reinstatement programme, which Brooks Koepka accepted. Sky says that means a mandatory one-year suspension, so no PGA Tour golf until late August next year.
• He withdrew from this week's Open de Espana because his wife Kelley is expecting their fourth child. Congrats to them!

He also won his third straight LIV season title in August, and has previously said he had no regrets about joining. Plot twist, indeed.

BBC Sport also notes there's no obligation for players to sign on for LIV 2.0, even those on multi-year deals. LIV's window to negotiate with players is open until 25 October.

The Big Question

LIV's biggest star heading for the exit while the league is in bankruptcy court is not a great look for LIV 2.0. Is this the beginning of the end for the breakaway tour, or can it survive without Rahm?

And where should he land: back with the DP World Tour and a Ryder Cup run, or a PGA Tour return next year? Sound off below.

Sources: BBC Sport | Sky Sports – Rahm | Sky Sports – Garcia