Tranlate this title Xander Schauffele reacts to Jon Rahm’s decision to leave LIV Golf in spanish

Xander Schauffele has reacted to Jon Rahm’s decision to leave LIV Golf, admitting that he is not sure whether the Spaniard and other players who joined the Saudi-backed circuit should be allowed to return to the PGA Tour without facing consequences.

The American golfer was asked about the two-time Grand Slam tournament equivalent champion’s situation after the third round of the Baycurrent Classic in Japan, where he is competing this week.

Rahm has decided not to participate in LIV Golf 2.0, which is expected to begin next year if the league successfully completes its financial restructuring. His lawyer confirmed the decision during a bankruptcy court hearing earlier this week.

Schauffele, who has remained on the PGA Tour throughout the conflict between the two organizations, stressed that every golfer has to make decisions about his own career.

«He’s clearly done whatever’s best for himself just like all of us,» Schauffele said.

The 32-year-old American also believes that Rahm could continue his career primarily on the DP World Tour, although the Spaniard’s plans for next season have not been confirmed.

«I’m sure he’ll just play DP [World Tour], is my guess, DP World Tour. I don’t know if the [PGA Tour] has offered him a spot like they had that window before. Yeah, he’s just doing whatever he thinks is best for himself; it’s kind of that.»

Rahm was one of four LIV players offered an opportunity to return to the PGA Tour through a special program in January. Brooks Koepka accepted the offer, while the Spaniard, Bryson DeChambeau and Cameron Smith decided not to take it.

The program has since expired, and PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp has said there are no current plans to introduce it again.

The situation is now quite different because LIV Golf filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in September, following the withdrawal of financial support from Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund.

Rahm joined LIV in December 2023 and won three consecutive individual season titles. The former world No. 1 is also reportedly owed $7.5 million by the league.

Schauffele unsure about LIV players returning

The two-time Grand Slam tournament equivalent winner was also asked whether there should be an agreement that would allow LIV players to return to the PGA Tour.

Schauffele admitted that he does not have a clear opinion on the matter and pointed out that many PGA Tour members have different views about their former colleagues.

«I’ve got no idea,» he said.

«There are 225 guys with Tour cards and if you sat down and interviewed all of them, you’re going to get probably three or four boxes of how guys feel.

«Some guys don’t care, some guys are really ticked off, some guys want them to have a huge fine, some guys would let them back tomorrow.

«Where I stand in those boxes, I don’t really know. I’m in the sort of, I try to mind my own business most times.»

Rolapp previously explained that players interested in returning would first need to be released from their LIV contracts and any remaining obligations.

Sergio Garcia has already received a court ruling allowing him to leave his contract, while Rahm is working toward formally ending his agreement.

The PGA Tour chief also stressed that any future arrangement would have to respect the organization’s rules and the interests of existing members.

Schauffele previously criticized PGA Tour leadership

The American has not always been happy with how the PGA Tour handled its problems with LIV Golf.

In June 2023, the PGA Tour announced a framework agreement with Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, despite spending the previous year competing against the new league.

Schauffele was among the golfers who publicly questioned the decision because players had not been informed about the negotiations beforehand.

Speaking ahead of the 2023 Genesis Scottish Open, the American admitted that his trust in then-commissioner Jay Monahan had been damaged.

«I don’t trust people easily,» Schauffele said at the time.

«He had my trust and he has a lot less of it now.»

The former Olympic champion also spoke about the issue before the Players Championship in March 2024, when Monahan was facing further questions about his leadership.

«Trust is something that’s pretty tender, so words are words,» he said.

Schauffele then claimed that the commissioner had a long way to go before he could regain the confidence of the PGA Tour membership.

The American was reportedly approached by LIV Golf during the league’s early years, but he decided to continue competing on the PGA Tour.

He went on to win two of golf’s four biggest tournaments in 2024, celebrating victories at the PGA Championship and The Open.

Meanwhile, LIV Golf officials are trying to prepare a new version of the competition for 2027, with investment firm BC Partners Credit working on financing worth up to $300 million.

The proposed competition would feature 10 tournaments and a different financial structure, with golfers potentially receiving ownership stakes in the league.

Several players have already decided against continuing with the organization, leaving questions about who will participate next season.

Rahm has not announced his complete schedule for 2027, and his possible PGA Tour return remains uncertain. Schauffele will continue his campaign at the Baycurrent Classic in Japan, where the final round is scheduled for Sunday.