Jon Rahm announces his first tournament after quitting LIV Golf
Jon Rahm announces his first tournament after quitting LIV Golf
Sam FrostMon, October 12, 2026 at 11:19 AM UTC
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Jon Rahm will play at the Abu Dhabi Aldar Championship next month -Credit:Richard Heathcote/Getty Images (Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)
Jon Rahm has confirmed he will play in the Abu Dhabi Aldar Championship next month, his first appearance since it was announced he is quitting LIV Golf.
Rahm's lawyer, John Beck, told a bankruptcy hearing in New Jersey last week that his client would play no part in "LIV 2.0," dealing a big blow to the breakaway league's hopes of surviving its cash crisis. LIV filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy after being cut adrift by its backer, Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, and it hopes to relaunch with a $300 million cash injection from private equity firm BC Partners.
Rahm was LIV's best player and one of two blue-chip stars on its roster, alongside Bryson DeChambeau, but the Spaniard is heading for the exit door. He is the league's biggest creditor, and his departure will be confirmed in the coming weeks as his lawyers attempt to secure outstanding payments.
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The tournament at Yas Links is the first of two DP World Tour playoff events. It begins on Nov. 5, and the tournament is set to go ahead as planned despite ongoing security concerns in the Middle East stemming from the conflict in Iran.
Rahm, who has never played in the event, said in a press release: “I’ve had some of the best weeks of my career in the UAE, so I’m really looking forward to playing in Abu Dhabi for the first time.
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“I’ve heard great things about Yas Links, and I’m looking forward to playing there. It’ll be great to get started in Abu Dhabi before heading to Dubai the following week.”
Rahm was due to play on home soil at last week's Spanish Open in Madrid, but he withdrew ahead of the opening round to return to his family home in Arizona. His wife, Kelly, is due to give birth to their fourth child.
Rahm's lawyer said the terms to sign up for LIV 2.0 were 'unacceptable' -Credit:Getty Images
But he is sure to make plenty of DP World Tour appearances in the near future after quitting LIV. He already holds a membership, and, unlike the PGA Tour, he can seamlessly play on the European circuit.
Rahm will surely pursue a return to the PGA Tour once his LIV contract is officially terminated, but penalties will likely be paid. The process of ironing out the details could delay his comeback until next year.
In the meantime, he will play his part in a tantalizing end to the DP World Tour season, with Patrick Reed, Eugenio Chacarra, and Rory McIlroy battling for the Race to Dubai title. McIlroy's participation in the playoff opener was announced by the DP World Tour last week.
"The Abu Dhabi Championship is always one of the tournaments I look forward to, and it’s great to see Aldar come on board as the new title partner,” the seven-time Race to Dubai winner said.
“Abu Dhabi is a fantastic place to visit, Yas Links is always in immaculate condition, and the atmosphere throughout the week makes it a special event.
"I’ve finished runner-up here four times, so I’d obviously love to go one better and finally win it. I really enjoy finishing my season in the UAE, and hopefully I can have a strong week and put myself in a position to win another Race to Dubai title."
Source: “AOL Sports”
