When LIV Golf announced the signing of Jon Rahm in December 2023, they would have dreamt of the Spaniard being in contention for the individual title in both of his first two seasons.
There is no question at all that LIV Golf signing Jon Rahm sent huge shockwaves through the sport. While there was speculation for several weeks before the move was announced, it really felt as though it had the potential to be an acquisition which shifted the balance of power within the game.
Unfortunately for LIV, that has not exactly been the case.
However, Rahm has definitely been impressive on the breakaway tour. He has won the individual title in both 2024 and 2025. Meanwhile, his Legion XIII side were team champions this past season.
Nevertheless, Rahm goes into 2026 in a strange position.
What Jon Rahm has achieved since joining LIV Golf
The 30-year-old won both season-long races on LIV. Meanwhile, he helped Europe win the Ryder Cup at Bethpage. He contributed three points from five matches in New York.
Rahm also hit arguably the two best shots of the week at the Ryder Cup.
And yet, he has a significant point to prove next year.
Much was made of Rahm winning the individual title on LIV without securing a single victory in 2025. It was the first time as a professional that he has failed to win in a full calendar year. But he also had a very underwhelming year in the majors, by his standards.
He did contend at the PGA Championship at Quail Hollow. And his worst finish in one of the four majors this year was tied for 34th, with two top 10s. However, Rahm reminded everyone at the Ryder Cup that he is one of the very best players on the planet.
He should be held to a higher standard than almost everyone else.
He has not finished higher than seventh in any of the seven majors he has played since joining LIV. He left as The Masters champion.
Jon Rahm is running out of time to prove that he made the right decision in leaving the PGA Tour
It has been suggested that the LIV format does not help Rahm. And while that may be grossly unfair – winning a major is clearly extremely difficult – there is not much he can say to silence those who believe that he made a big mistake by joining LIV.
It feels imperative that Rahm seriously contends at least once in the majors in 2026. It is also important that he adds to his tally of two wins on LIV.
If his 2026 resembles this past season, then Rahm will surely start to question whether he made the right move leaving the PGA Tour. He also will not have a Ryder Cup to play for in the next 12 months.
The pressure is really ramping up on Rahm – despite the success he has still enjoyed.
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