Jon Rahm and LIV Golf's uncertain future: Open questions at the 2026 Irish Open

Jon Rahm is in Ireland this week for the 2026 Amgen Irish Open, a DP World Tour event featuring stars from both LIV Golf and the PGA Tour, including Rory McIlroy. While the field looks strong, the bigger story is what happens next for Rahm and the future of LIV Golf. The LIV Golf 2026 season came to an abrupt early end at LIV Indianapolis last month. After Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund decided to stop funding the league, LIV leaders began hoping to build a new version called LIV 2.0. To make that happen, they need two crucial elements: major investment and the commitment of star players like Jon Rahm. The two are connected. Investors will not put hundreds of millions of dollars into a league that may lose its top names. Rahm remains under contract with LIV for several more years, but the league's uncertain future has raised questions. In an interview with BBC Sport at the Irish Open, Rahm was asked whether he sees himself in LIV's future or on a pathway back to the PGA Tour. His answers were vague. He said many things could happen and that time will tell. When pressed on a possible PGA Tour return, Rahm replied that he still has a contract with "LIV 1.0" and is willing to fulfill it. That phrase matters. LIV CEO Scott O'Neil has spoken about creating a new vision called LIV 2.0. Rahm signed his original LIV deal in 2026 in a contract reportedly worth hundreds of millions of dollars. A relaunched league might not be able to honour that deal. By saying "LIV 1.0," Rahm was drawing a clear line: his commitment was to the old league and its financial promises. If LIV 2.0 cannot pay, his future becomes open. Many PGA Tour fans may hope Rahm will simply return. But the situation is more nuanced. Rahm is probably aware that leaving a massive contract without legal resolution would be risky. At the same time, his public hesitation creates pressure on LIV and its potential investors. Rahm is a central asset; if he signals doubt, the entire project loses value. The 2026 Irish Open provides a dramatic backdrop. Rory McIlroy, a vocal critic of LIV Golf, is competing alongside Rahm. That image captures the strange moment golf is going through. For now, Rahm will play in Ireland and still perform. Yet the only answer fans truly want is the one he has not given: where will he play next year?