Rahm quits LIV Golf over 'unacceptable' terms

Two-time major champion Jon Rahm is parting ways with LIV Golf after deeming the breakaway circuit's proposed terms for its next phase 'unacceptable'.

Rahm's decision was revealed by his attorney, John Beck, during a hearing in the US Bankruptcy Court of New Jersey. According to Beck, Rahm made his decision after reviewing the details of LIV Golf's planned next phase, dubbed 'LIV 2.0'.

"Mr Rahm has independently reviewed the proposed terms of LIV 2.0, as ‌the parties have been referring to it, and has determined that those terms are unacceptable as to him, and he will not be participating going forward in LIV 2.0,"

Rahm, one of LIV Golf's high-profile recruits, has won three consecutive season-long individual titles since joining the circuit in late 2023. His departure is a significant blow to LIV Golf, which is fighting to emerge from bankruptcy.

Several other golfers, including Bryson DeChambeau, Cameron Smith, An Byeong-hun, Marc Leishman, Cameron Tringale, and Matthew Wolff, have asked a US bankruptcy judge to help terminate their contracts and clarify their ability to negotiate with other tournament organisers and sponsors, as their LIV contracts go unpaid.

LIV Golf has already agreed to terminate Sergio Garcia's contract after determining the league would not honour its terms. Ending those contracts would not preclude the players from agreeing to participate in LIV 2.0.

When LIV Golf filed for Chapter 11 protection in New Jersey last month, its filing listed several star golfers as creditors still owed millions in unsecured claims. Rahm had the largest claim among players at $US7.5 million ($10.8 million).

Earlier this week, LIV secured funding from BC Partners to help it emerge from restructuring and strengthen its financial footing ahead of the 2027 season. The financing, up to $US300 million ($430 million), remains subject to bankruptcy court approval and customary conditions.