Jon Rahm offers opinion on Brooks Koepka quitting LIV Golf

Jon Rahm says he was aware Brooks Koepka was likely to quit LIV Golf. 

Five-time major champion Koepka, 36, became the first big name to quit the PIF-backed league last December. 

The American controversially quit the PGA Tour in 2022 and won five LIV Golf events over four seasons. He was also the first LIV player to capture a major at the PGA Championship. 

Koepka had one year remaining on his contract that was reportedly worth north of $100m but, according to LIV Golf chief executive Scott O'Neil, was allowed to walk away early. 

"Family has always guided Brooks' decisions, and he feels this is the right moment to spend more time at home," read a statement from LIV. 

Last October, Koepka's wife, Jena Sims, revealed she sadly suffered a miscarriage. 

Rahm told the latest edition of GOLF's Subpar he was aware Koepka was "dealing with some stuff off the golf course". 

"I had an idea [Koepka was leaving], but more through him than the league itself," said Rahm 

"I don't know what happened, but I know he was dealing with some stuff off the golf course.

"I still don't know what's happened, so I think I saw they made an announcement about a miscarriage. 

"So, luckily, knock on wood, I can't say what that feels like, but I don't wish it on anybody. I know that's tough on some people.

"I wish him the best. I've had some great times with Brooks on the golf course"

Rahm was referencing his 2023 Masters victory where they played together in the final group. Koepka had a comfortable lead but surrendered it to the Spaniard, later admitting he choked.  

The two also faced each other in a play-off at LIV's stop at The Greenbrier in 2024 and they have locked horns in the Ryder Cup on more than one occasion.  

"It's been, it's always fun to play with fast, honest guy," Rahm said. 

"Wish him nothing but the best. I mean, obviously, I wish he'd stay and keep playing with them, but hopefully we can compete for either other events [and] majors in the future."

Where Koepka plies his trade before the first major of the season is unclear. 

The likely destination for Koepka is the DP World Tour given he came through the ranks on the Challenge Tour before joining the PGA Tour. 

There is speculation, though, that Koepka may have to forfeit cash should he play in a DP World or PGA Tour event before his contract officially expires. 

In that scenario, Koepka could turn to LIV's official feeder, the International Series on the Asian Tour, to remain sharp. 

Rahm said: "I mean, I know he played DP World Tour events in the fall, which he has the last few years, so he's played those events.

"He almost won in France, right? So I guess right now [he will] probably keep playing those events and come August, right, he'll be eligible again to be able to play, so I don't know. 

"He won a major in 23, so in theory he should be exempt."

The PGA Tour deem LIV Golf events "unauthorised" and even non-members are subject to one-year bans should they tee up. 

Pat Perez, a former LIV pro with aspirations to play the PGA Tour Champions, says he is subject to the suspension for simply appearing on a broadcast. 

Rahm said he assumes Koepka will be held to a different standard. 

"Like, I won't say much more on that, but that's a little ridiculous," Rahm said.  

Whatever Koepka decides to do, Rahm believes he won't be playing a burdensome schedule. 

"He'll probably play at least the minimum, I would say," said Rahm. 

"The events he likes, the big ones, if he can make himself into elevated events or get invites to elevated events, he would play those as well."

Rahm provides update on LIV Golf fines

Elsewhere, Jon Rahm also offered an updated on what is transpiring behind the scenes between LIV Golf and the DP World Tour. 

He was fined for playing LIV tournaments which conflicted with DP World Tour events, without requesting permission from Wentworth HQ. 

The situation threatened Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton's involvement in the Ryder Cup but the pair appealed their fines, allowing them to help Europe against the United States last September. 

It is understood their case will be heard before the first major of the year but it assumed the golfers will lose their cases given the precedent that was previously set. 

Rahm told the podcast that he believes the situation will be resolved. 

Rory McIlroy would welcome Koepka back

Several PGA Tour members have weighed in on Koepka's decision to quit LIV. 

Rory McIlroy was once one of LIV's harshest critics but the Northern Irishman has slowly changed his position on his view of the rival league. 

McIlroy said he no longer has an issue with players returning to the PGA Tour from LIV. 

But he acknowledged the situation with Koepka may be legally tricky. 

"What Brooks has done in the game of golf, it would be good for everyone to have him back," McIlroy told The Overlap. 

"It's hard," McIlroy said. "You can't treat one person differently than you treat others.

"And as much as the Tour would like to treat Brooks differently, it sets a legal precedent, because of the lawsuits that have been going on and everything else behind the scenes.

"He's still exempt on Tour because of his major wins. That's not the hurdle. 

"The hurdle is how they have treated others that have tried to come back, serve suspensions, or whatever it is. That's the difficult thing."