Jon Rahm at the 2026 Irish Open: LIV Golf's future remains a big question

The 2026 LIV Golf season ended earlier than expected after the Indianapolis event in mid-June, leaving a huge gap in the schedules of golfers once backed by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF). Meanwhile, Jon Rahm is in Ireland for the Amgen Irish Open, part of the DP World Tour, where he will face Rory McIlroy and many other golfers from both LIV and PGA Tour. Rahm's presence in Ireland is not merely a sporting occasion. Observers see it as a litmus test for the future of professional golf as a whole. LIV Golf just went through a shock when PIF decided to stop funding, pushing the circuit once viewed as the 'challenger' to the PGA Tour into uncertainty. Now all eyes fall on Rahm – the biggest star still under contract with LIV – to see whether he stays or leaves. In an interview with BBC Sport on Tuesday, Rahm made comments that the golf world closely followed. When asked whether he would return to the PGA Tour, Rahm did not answer directly. Instead, he emphasized: 'I still have a contract with LIV 1.0 and I'm more than willing to fulfill it. But time will tell.' The phrase 'LIV 1.0' was seen as an implicit statement. LIV 1.0 refers to the first-generation league funded by PIF, with contracts worth hundreds of millions of dollars signed in 2026. But after PIF's exit, LIV still strives to become 'LIV 2.0' – a new version backed by outside investors. CEO Scott O'Neil has not finalized any deal yet. To do so, he needs investors to believe that Rahm will continue playing. However, Rahm has cleverly set a boundary. By mentioning 'LIV 1.0', he implicitly asserts that he is only bound to the old contract, not a new one that may be rewritten. If LIV 2.0 fails to pay the remaining dues, Rahm could consider himself a free agent. This puts LIV in a dilemma. They need to keep Rahm to attract investors, but paying Rahm's massive contract may scare those investors away. If Rahm leaves, LIV loses its most marketable star; if he stays, they must secure funding for an unclear investment. Many analysts suggest Rahm will eventually return to the PGA Tour. But a contrarian view shows that leaving is not simple. The PGA Tour is also experiencing its own financial shifts with Strategic Sports Group, and bringing in a golfer like Rahm requires more than an invitation. Rahm may also want to use the situation to negotiate the most favorable terms for himself, keeping one foot in both camps. Indeed, Rahm is still at the peak of his game. His participation in the Irish Open with McIlroy underscores his prestige. But what stands out is his silence on the future, which affects the golf transfer market, where sponsorship deals and broadcasting rights are waiting for a spark. The Asian golf community, which I regularly follow, is keeping a close watch on Rahm. His departure would open opportunities for young golfers in regional tours, while a strong LIV could have different ripple effects. But no one can be sure what will happen. Looking back at my own stumbles, I've learned that big decisions are never made in haste. Rahm stands at a crossroads, but he doesn't have to choose right now. With a huge sum still on the table, he has the right to wait until everything becomes clear. The golf world is holding onto hope that sports rise above separate playgrounds. But until Rahm speaks, LIV Golf will remain suspended in uncertainty. And as he said, time will tell. Fans' trust in Rahm remains intact. He is one of the most beloved golfers in Asia for his explosive play and strong personality. If he returns to the PGA Tour, events will become vibrant again; if he stays in LIV, the story will be different. But one thing is certain: this battle is not only on the course but also at the negotiation table. In that battle, all gazes are on Rahm, waiting to hear what he says next. The drumbeat of the golf community is still sounding, urging managers to find common ground. But just as a football match cannot be decided by a single goal, the future of LIV Golf cannot be drawn from just one signature of Rahm. Sitting in the press room in Ireland, I ask myself whether Rahm is contemplating the lesson from Asian football transfer markets, where such contracts often end with a twilight call. But that's for the near future. For now, let's enjoy a tournament featuring almost all the stars. Because who knows, this may be the last time we see Rahm competing as a LIV golfer.