Second player set to quit LIV Golf just days after Jon Rahm as exodus continues

Jon Rahm's exit from LIV Golf was officially confirmed this week, and he isn't the only player departing the league.

In April, LIV Golf's future was dealt a crushing blow when the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF) confirmed it would end its financial backing for the 2027 season.

The league then filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in the United States in September, but has since secured a possible $300million in financing from BC Partners Credit to try to move into the next campaign.

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Sergio Garcia granted a 'special' deal to leave LIV Golf after Jon Rahm

LIV Golf's biggest names, including Jon Rahm, are jumping ship from the league as its future continues to hang in the balance.

Rahm made his LIV debut in February 2024, but is now leaving after proposing that the terms offered for LIV 2.0 were 'unacceptable'.

The 31-year-old is now "in advanced discussions for a consensual separation agreement between Mr Rahm and LIV", according to BBC Sport, and it is hoped this will be finalised by a court hearing on 5 November.

When he left the PGA Tour in December 2023, Rahm was arguably the most high-profile name to join LIV for a deal worth a reported £222m ($300m).

Joining him was 2017 Masters champion Sergio Garcia, who was granted a special "deal" during Wednesday's hearing in New Jersey, allowing his contract to be "terminated" following an application by his lawyers.

Once that termination is agreed, Garcia will be free to negotiate with third parties, telling the media at the Open de Espana in Madrid how keen he is to be involved in next year's Ryder Cup as a player or vice-captain.

As for what comes next for the 46-year-old - who clinched two individual titles at LIV - all options appear to be on the table.

Like Rahm, Garcia hasn't ruled out a return to the PGA Tour, although under its rules, he would have to serve a suspension until August.

"It's definitely a possibility. I turn 47 in January, and the Champions Tour is a possibility," he said.

"Besides, I'd like the chance to play some of those tournaments, especially the big ones on the Champions Tour. These are things that I'm starting to consider at my age."

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Rory McIlroy wants 'tough road back' for LIV Golf players

When asked for his opinion on LIV Golf players returning to the PGA Tour in August, Rory McIlroy was unsurprisingly unwelcoming in his response.

McIlroy has historically been one of the most vocal critics of the breakaway league, with the Northern Irishman stating: "I would argue have they brought value to LIV? I think the PGA Tour's in a really good spot."

"Eventually they will [be welcomed back]. I'm not part of these discussions, but I'm pretty sure they're not going to be welcomed back straight away," the two-time Masters champion added.

"If they were offered this returning member program back in February, the one that Brooks [Koepka] took, then yeah, maybe, but that has come and gone.

"I think it was said at the time that the deal that they might get going forward, if they do decide to come back, isn't going to be as good as the one that Brooks got. I would say it's going to be a tough road back."

Alongside Rahm and Garcia, Bryson DeChambeau is another who is potentially open to the idea of returning to the PGA Tour in 2027.