LIV Golf Plans Shutdown: What Happens to Rahm and DeChambeau?

LIV Golf said Thursday, November 5, that it intends to wind down its operations after the proposed rescue transaction for the breakaway league failed.

In its official announcement, LIV said the restructuring support agreement involving BC Partners Credit had been terminated because the parties could not resolve outstanding terms. The league said it would continue considering alternatives that could preserve value during the wind-down.

The Associated Press reported from Thursday’s bankruptcy hearing that LIV’s lawyer told the New Jersey court the organization was no longer proceeding with its proposed LIV 2.0 relaunch. LIV filed for Chapter 11 protection in September.

The failed transaction had been intended to finance competition in 2027. Front Office Sports put the proposed backing at $300 million, following Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund’s decision to end its support beyond the 2026 season.

Can LIV players return to the PGA Tour?

The shutdown announcement does not give Bryson DeChambeau, Jon Rahm or other former PGA Tour members automatic entry into PGA Tour events. Their contractual position and tournament eligibility must be resolved under the rules that apply to each player.

The PGA Tour’s published Returning Member Program applied to the 2026 season and required eligible players to apply between January 12 and February 2. It was limited to players who met specific membership and major-championship or Players Championship criteria, with substantial restrictions on financial benefits and access to Signature Events.

Brooks Koepka accepted that route earlier this year. In the announcement introducing the program, PGA Tour chief executive Brian Rolapp described a defined application window and said there was no promise the same path would be available again.

Rahm said Tuesday that he would probably accept the penalties Koepka accepted if offered the same arrangement, but he had not discussed a return with the PGA Tour, according to Golf Channel’s reporting.

Rahm plans to play the DP World Tour in 2027, according to Golf Channel.

What about Europe and the Ryder Cup?

Playing opportunities in Europe also depend on eligibility and membership. The official 2027 European Ryder Cup rules require qualifying membership, set conditions for earning points and require players to meet membership obligations. Leaving LIV alone does not establish a place in Europe’s Ryder Cup team or exemption into every DP World Tour event.

LIV’s statement did not provide a player-by-player account of remaining contract obligations or confirm individual 2027 schedules. It announced an intended wind-down while leaving open the possibility of other transactions as the bankruptcy process continues.