Jon Rahm Opens Up on LIV Golf Collapse Speculation
LIV Golf star Jon Rahm has publicly addressed swirling rumours regarding the potential collapse of the Saudi-funded golf competition, admitting he has been compelled to turn off his phone to avoid the incessant speculation. The Spanish golfer, who recently secured victory at the LIV Golf event in Mexico City, spoke candidly about the reports suggesting the league might wind down its operations merely four years after its high-profile launch.
Rumours of Funding Withdrawal Amid Middle East Conflict
According to widespread reports, the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund (PIF) is considering withdrawing its financial backing from LIV Golf, a decision allegedly influenced by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East involving Iran, Israel, and the United States. This development has cast significant doubt over the future of the controversial golf series, which has positioned itself as a direct competitor to the established PGA Tour.
Despite the uncertainty, LIV Golf chief executive Scott O'Neil has insisted that the current 2026 season will proceed as planned and be completed in its entirety. However, many fans and observers remain sceptical, with some sources indicating that the competition could be shut down imminently rather than continuing beyond this year.
Rahm's Response to the Speculation
In an interview with the Spanish newspaper ABC, Rahm revealed his strategy for dealing with the rumours. "I'm not paying any attention to it at all," he stated emphatically. "The other day I started getting messages about it, so I turned my phone off. Until the people in charge here tell me something concrete, I'm not going to waste my time thinking about it."
The 31-year-old golfer emphasised his contractual security and financial stability within the league, adding, "I have a signed contract, and everyone here gets paid. I don't see any reason to worry. What I have to do is play golf." Rahm's comments highlight his focus on performance rather than engaging with the external noise surrounding LIV Golf's future.
Positive Changes in LIV Golf's Format
Despite the uncertainty, Rahm expressed encouragement regarding recent changes implemented in the 2026 LIV Golf series. Notably, the competition has aligned more closely with PGA Tour standards by introducing four-day events that now award official world golf ranking points, a significant shift from its original format.
"They're all very positive and they make us stronger every day," Rahm commented on these developments. "Regarding the four rounds, it's clear that as a competitor, the more days you play, the better shape you'll be." He further explained the importance of accumulating ranking points for access to major tournaments and competing against top golfers globally.
Current Performance and Future Prospects
Rahm's Legion XIII team currently holds third place in this season's LIV Golf standings, with his Mexico City win marking his second event victory of the year following his triumph in Hong Kong last month. However, his success in the LIV series has not translated into major championship performance, as evidenced by his tie for 38th place at the Masters earlier in April—his fourth finish outside the top thirty in a major since joining LIV Golf.
As speculation continues to mount, the PGA Tour remains robust and thriving. Should LIV Golf indeed collapse in the near future, Rahm could potentially follow in the footsteps of former LIV players like Brooks Koepka and Patrick Reed by returning to the American series, though no such plans have been confirmed.
The situation remains fluid, with stakeholders and fans alike awaiting definitive announcements from LIV Golf leadership regarding the competition's long-term viability amidst geopolitical tensions and financial reconsiderations.
