Jon Rahm explains LIV Golf exit and considers a year on the DP World Tour

Jon Rahm has broken his silence on leaving LIV Golf, explaining why he does not want to continue with the league’s new format. In his first press conference since his departure, he also discussed the possibility of spending a full year on the DP World Tour, with his 2027 schedule still undecided.

Rahm described his three years on the circuit as “a wonderful experience”, pointing to strong individual and team results. But although he liked the project in its first version, the changes planned for the next phase did not appeal to him. “I wasn’t willing to go down that road,” he said. Uncertainty played a part in his decision: “There were too many unknowns then, and there are still a few.” He also felt the league was moving away from team golf and its distinctive features, becoming “more of a normal tour”.

The process also took a mental toll. “Whether you want to admit it or not, it’s noise in your head. It has taken attention and effort away from what I want to do, and in that sense it has been a distraction, without a doubt,” he said. He acknowledged that the situation was unprecedented for him, while saying he did not know whether it had happened before.

Rahm arrived at Yas Links in Abu Dhabi dealing with jet lag, a new child and almost two months without much swing practice, as well as many questions about what lay ahead. He said his mind had been elsewhere at Wentworth, his most recent appearance, contributing to a poor result. Marca reports that the birth of his fourth child allowed him to spend the first week at home. He said he helped with his other three children and took them to school. After a long flight, he added, calling himself “rusty” would be an understatement. He also praised the support of his wife, Kelley: “It takes a strong partner to take all that on. I’ve been very lucky.”

For now, Rahm says he does not know what 2027 will look like. He has not yet spoken to the PGA Tour to find out whether there is a route back. Until things become clearer, his plan is to play the year on the DP World Tour and shape his schedule into “a year that is a little different from previous ones”. He cited Brooks Koepka’s return “under certain circumstances”, while doubting he would be offered the same treatment. Asked whether he would accept those terms, he replied: “Probably, yes. Why not?” He stressed, though, that he seriously doubted he would receive the same offer.

Rahm is even optimistic about the possibility of serving a one-year suspension: “It’s a good position when the worst-case scenario is playing a full year on a great tour.” He also pledged to support the DP World Tour and continue playing European events, even if he returned to the PGA Tour. This week, all participants earn points and, in his view, he does not need a standout performance. “If I play solidly, I know how I can play golf; I should play next week,” he said, adding that several players’ decision to skip these two events improves the chances.