Business · Malaysia Bureau
Rahm exits LIV Golf over contract dispute as tour struggles
Former world No. 1 Jon Rahm has withdrawn from the Saudi-backed LIV Golf league, citing unacceptable contractual terms. The departure marks another significant setback for the breakaway tour as it attempts to recover from financial difficulties.
LSN Malaysia ·
Jon Rahm's exit from LIV Golf represents a major blow to the controversial Saudi-backed golf venture, which has faced mounting challenges since its contentious launch in 2022. The Spanish golfer, who previously held the world's top ranking, cited disagreements over contract conditions as the reason for his withdrawal from the tour.
Rahm's decision comes at a particularly vulnerable moment for LIV Golf, which declared bankruptcy earlier this year amid financial strain and declining player interest. The tour has been attempting to stabilise operations and attract top talent to remain competitive with the established PGA Tour.
The golfer's departure underscores ongoing tensions within professional golf's fractured landscape. While LIV Golf secured massive financial backing from Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, the tour has struggled to retain marquee players and achieve its ambitions of becoming a premier golf circuit.
Rahm's withdrawal signals that even lucrative offers may not be enough to keep players committed to LIV Golf if contractual protections and competitive terms remain contentious. The move could prompt further departures and intensify scrutiny of the tour's viability as it pursues restructuring and rehabilitation efforts.