LIV Golf loses star over 'unacceptable' terms
As it fights to emerge from bankruptcy, LIV Golf learns one of its major drawcards intends to leave the breakaway circuit.
Jon Rahm was one of LIV Golf's high-profile recruits. ( Getty Images: Yu Chun/Christopher Wong )
Former world number one Jon Rahm is quitting LIV Golf, robbing the breakaway circuit of one of its biggest stars while it fights to emerge from bankruptcy.
Rahm's attorney John Beck, speaking at a hearing in the US Bankruptcy Court of New Jersey, said the two-time major champion made his decision after looking over details of LIV Golf's planned next phase.
"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," Beck told the court.
Other golfers 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 has already agreed to terminate Sergio Garcia's contract after determining the league would not honour its terms.
Attorneys for Bryson DeChambeau, Cameron Smith, An Byeong-hun, Marc Leishman, Cameron Tringale and Matthew Wolff asked the judge to allow those players out of their old contracts.
Ending those contracts would not preclude those players from agreeing to participate in LIV 2.0.
Rahm, one of the most high-profile players to join LIV Golf, has won three consecutive season-long individual titles since joining the circuit in late 2023.
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.
Among them, 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.