Spanish golf star Jon Rahm has surprisingly endorsed a major rule change to the LIV Golf League that, if applied last season, would have seen him stripped of his individual championship title.
A Hollow Victory Sparks Demand for Change
Rahm secured the LIV Golf individual crown for the second year running in 2025, yet he did so without winning a single tournament across the campaign. His triumph was built on remarkable consistency, finishing inside the top ten in 12 of his 13 starts on the Saudi-backed tour.
In stark contrast, his closest rival, Chile's Joaquin Niemann, clinched five tournament victories in Adelaide, Singapore, Mexico City, Virginia, and Britain. Despite this, Niemann fell short in the overall standings, with American Bryan DeChambeau placing third.
This anomaly has fuelled significant debate, with many arguing the scoring system should prioritise tournament wins over steady performance. Rahm himself agrees, confessing his latest title felt somewhat empty.
Rahm's Verdict on Future Reforms
Speaking on the Subpar podcast, the 31-year-old Major winner was candid about the need for reform. "I would say that winning the individual classification doesn't carry the same weight as last year, without having won, especially considering that Joaquín won five times," Rahm stated. "You could argue that maybe he deserved it more."
When asked if the points structure should be altered to better reward winners, he replied: "I hope so. I know I was more consistent, but if someone wins more than a third of the tournaments, they should probably take the win." He added that he expects changes to be made following Niemann being denied due to a "few bad weeks."
Beyond the points system, Rahm addressed other forthcoming shifts. He voiced support for LIV's planned move from 54 to 72-hole tournaments, suggesting it would be "better for the best players." He also revealed the tour will increase relegations to 11 players this year, up from six in 2024 which included Anthony Kim and Henrik Stenson, and expand tournament fields from 54 to 57 golfers. These changes are partly aimed at helping LIV secure crucial World Golf Ranking status.
Koepka's Shock PGA Tour Return Bid
In related news, five-time major champion Brooks Koepka has applied to rejoin the PGA Tour after quitting LIV Golf a year early in December 2025. The 35-year-old American cited family reasons for his departure from the rival league.
Typically, players returning from LIV face a one-year suspension, but reports indicate Koepka has directly contacted the PGA Tour to request reinstatement. His case will undergo a disciplinary process involving the tour's policy board, which includes player-director Tiger Woods, and the Future Competition committee. The final decision, however, is expected to rest with new chief executive Brian Rolapp.
Koepka, who remains eligible for golf's four majors, played four events on the DP World Tour towards the end of last season in an apparent bid to stay competitive.
