With the 2025 season winding down, there will be some interest in seeing which players LIV Golf manage to sign as they look to pick up some momentum again.
LIV Golf certainly turned the golfing landscape upside down when they launched. A number of big names made the jump from the PGA Tour, with Phil Mickelson leading the exodus.
LIV being around has certainly had an impact on the PGA Tour. Some would argue that the product has improved, with the tour no longer able to be complacent.
There was definitely a time when it appeared that the PGA Tour would have to make a deal with the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia to prevent being overtaken by LIV.
And for Johnson Wagner, there was one specific moment which had the potential to tip the balance of power in LIV’s favour.
The LIV Golf signing which left Johnson Wagner scared for the PGA Tour
Of course, losing the likes of Mickelson, Dustin Johnson, Brooks Koepka and Bryson DeChambeau was a big blow. But in December 2023, LIV made arguably their biggest statement.
Jon Rahm was the world number three and the current Masters champion when he decided to make the move. He also helped Europe regain the Ryder Cup in Rome a few months earlier.
And speaking on Golf Channel as his move was made official, Wagner admitted that he had huge concerns.
“Honestly, this is the first time where I’ve been scared about the future of the PGA Tour. Jon Rahm goes after pledging loyalty to the PGA Tour and changing his mind,” he said.
“It seems like LIV is going for a second round of big names. Who’s possibly going to go next? If they crack off another couple of top 10 players, the legitimate longevity of the PGA Tour is in jeopardy.”
Wagner suggested that Rahm’s decision may force the PGA Tour’s hand and leave them needing a peace agreement.
“It’s a massive deal. Jon is one of the greatest characters in the game right now. He wears his heart on his sleeve, plays with emotion, gets fiery. Everyone loves to watch him. He’s a compelling character. It’s a big loss for the PGA Tour and, for me personally, I’m very sad,” he also said.
“I love the PGA Tour. I love professional golf. I’m sick of the state being divided and it’s time for us to try to come together and work something out, whether that’s with the PIF or what. I don’t know.”
The story of Jon Rahm’s LIV Golf career so far
Rahm has been a successful signing for LIV. They would have hoped that he would prove to be a hit given that they paid $450 million to convince him to join, according to Sky Sports.
Interestingly, there were reports that Rahm regretted his decision during his first season. However, he has not given any indication that that is the case.
Rahm has won the individual title on LIV in both 2024 and 2025. He also played a starring role in the Ryder Cup once again last month.
However, he has not finished higher than seventh in a major in the last two years. His only real challenge came at this year’s PGA Championship. He also failed to win a single event as an individual in 2025.
It would be fascinating to know if Rahm would make the same move in 2023 if he could see how the first two years would go.
Obviously, financially, it was a no-brainer. However, his form on the course has not been so impressive that you could say that he has been vindicated by any means.
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