Jon Rahm is officially leaving LIV Golf. His attorney, John Beck, told a U.S. Bankruptcy Court hearing on Wednesday, Oct. 7 that Rahm 'has independently reviewed the proposed terms of LIV 2.0 … and has determined that those terms are unacceptable to him, and he will not be participating going forward.' Gabby Herzig of The Athletic first reported the comments, which Yahoo Sports and USA Today both covered. The announcement is a major blow to the breakaway league's restructuring plan, which hinges on persuading top players to take ownership stakes in a 2027 relaunch. Beck said Rahm and LIV are in 'advanced discussions' toward a consensual separation agreement by Oct. 15.

When Rahm left the PGA Tour in December 2023 as the reigning Masters champion and a top-three player in the world, his signing was LIV's biggest chess-piece grab. Less than three years later, the league's Saudi PIF funding was cut off, events were canceled, the postseason was shortened, most staff were fired, and LIV declared bankruptcy. Rahm is the largest individual creditor in the Chapter 11 case, according to USA Today, which reports he is owed more than $100 million on a deal reported around $350 million. USA Today also reports LIV 2.0's terms include a $300 million investment from BC Partners, smaller purses, and a 52.5 percent player equity share — terms Rahm found unacceptable.

Yahoo Sports reports Rahm logged a T2 at the PGA Championship and two LIV runner-up finishes, including the Indianapolis finale, but missed the cut at the U.S. Open and faded to T46 at the Open Championship — a disappointing summer by his standards. He remains No. 15 in the Official World Golf Ranking. He is not leaving alone: Brooks Koepka and Patrick Reed already departed, a New Jersey court released Sergio Garcia from his contract this week, and Joaquin Niemann has voiced hesitation. USA Today notes the player commitment deadline for LIV 2.0 was extended to Oct. 25, with Bryson DeChambeau now the biggest decision left.

The PGA Tour says it will not negotiate with players still under LIV contract, a stance it reconfirmed Wednesday, according to Yahoo Sports. Rahm passed on a Koepka-style return deal before the 2026 season, and Tour CEO Brian Rolapp has said there will be no red carpet. USA Today reports the most likely blueprint is Patrick Reed's: a one-year suspension followed by rebuilding status through the DP World Tour, with 2028 possibly the earliest Rahm returns as a full-time PGA Tour member. His 2023 Masters title gives him a five-year exemption he could also use for a limited schedule. For now, he is home awaiting the birth of his fourth child after skipping the Spanish Open.