Rahm Won't Say If He Wants Back on PGA Tour, Cites LIV Contract

Jon Rahm declined Tuesday to say whether he wants a pathway back to the PGA Tour, telling BBC Sport Northern Ireland at Doonbeg that he still has a contract with "LIV 1.0" that he is "more than willing to fulfill." Asked directly if he would return given the chance, he said, "We'll see what happens." In his formal press conference ahead of the Amgen Irish Open, the only LIV question drew a four-word answer: "No updates since Indianapolis."

What did Rahm actually say?

Asked about his LIV future, Rahm said, "There's a lot of things that could happen," and that time would tell. Pressed on whether he wanted a pathway back to the PGA Tour, he pointed to his existing deal: "I still have a contract with LIV 1.0 that I'm more than willing to fulfill. So, like I said, time will tell." Asked a third time whether he'd want to return if his contract fell through or the league folded, he gave his shortest answer yet.

Rahm plans to play next week's BMW PGA Championship and had gone home after LIV's season finale in Indianapolis before this trip to Ireland.

Why does the phrase "LIV 1.0" matter?

LIV CEO Scott O'Neil has been promoting a restructured, equity-based "LIV 2.0" for 2027 as the league works through financial difficulties. By specifying "LIV 1.0," Rahm distinguished the contract he signed in December 2023 from whatever league structure might replace it — a signal that a rebuilt league may not be positioned to honor his original deal in full.

What remains owed to Rahm is disputed. One report puts the figure at more than $100 million; another, citing him as the league's largest creditor, puts it closer to $150 million. His original contract has been reported at anywhere from $300 million to $600 million when he signed in December 2023. No figure has been confirmed by Rahm or LIV.

A player publicly committed to honoring a nine-figure contract has little reason to say where he'd rather play.

Is a PGA Tour return actually available to him?

Not currently. The PGA Tour's Returning Member Program was offered to four players and closed on Feb. 2, 2026; only Brooks Koepka used it. Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau and Cameron Smith instead publicly committed to LIV for 2026. PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp said in late August that there are no current plans to reopen that pathway, and that any returning player must show they are free of contractual obligations.

Separately, Rahm struck a deal with the DP World Tour in May to retain his membership and Ryder Cup eligibility, which is how he is playing this week's Irish Open and next week's BMW PGA Championship. Asked about his 2027 Ryder Cup prospects, he said only that a year is a long time.

Rahm tees off this week at the Irish Open before heading to the BMW PGA Championship, with his longer-term plans still tied to how LIV's restructuring plays out.