Jon Rahm gives opinion on Patrick Reed's LIV Golf exit: "At least that's how it should be"

Jon Rahm said professional golfers should be allowed to play "wherever they want" as he gave his verdict on Patrick Reed's departure from LIV.

Former Masters champion Patrick Reed followed Brooks Koepka out the door last week after his contract expired on the PIF-backed breakaway. 

Telegraph Sport reported that despite meeting his terms, Reed decided to reject LIV in favour of a return to the PGA Tour later this year. 

Koepka returned to the American circuit under a returning member's programme and shared 56th place on his first start back at the Farmers. 

Reed wasn't eligible for the scheme as it was only for winners of a major or The Players Championship over 2022-2025. 

The 35-year-old American will primarily play on the DP World Tour this year with hopes of earning his full PGA Tour card via the Race to Dubai rankings.

Or he will play on the established circuit next season out of the past champion category. 

Rahm was asked about Reed's decision ahead of LIV's curtain-raiser under the lights in Riyadh later this week. 

The Spaniard made it clear how he feels about the situation. "I think each one has got to do what's best for them," Rahm said.

"We're free to choose where we want to play golf. At least that's how it should be.""He's made his choice. I have nothing really against him."

Rahm's LIV and Ryder Cup teammate Tyrrell Hatton agreed.

"He was out of contract and he had options and he decided that for him to move forward he wanted to go back and play on the PGA tour," he told reporters.

"If he was playing in LIV still, he makes the league stronger. [But] he's chosen his path and like Jon said you can only wish him the best moving forward."

Rahm provides positive update on DPWT fines

Rahm and Hatton have been fined by the DP World Tour for competing in conflicting LIV events whilst remaining members of the European-based circuit. 

The duo have appealed the sanctions but their case is yet to be heard despite the fact they moved to LIV more than two years ago. 

Critics have suggested the delay in the process was deliberate so both players could remain eligible - and participate - in the Ryder Cup. 

In recent weeks, Rahm and Hatton have doubled down on their positions, insisting they don't believe the fines are fair. Rory McIlroy thinks otherwise.

Rahm has said he doesn't believe it's right that he is being fined for not participating in events that were never on his schedule. 

But according to FlushingIt, the DPWT is in talks with LIV players about potentially dropping the fines for 2026. 

Rahm acknowledged the talks were happening, but claimed he didn't know "too much" about the specifics. 

"I don't know what it may be or what it's going to look like, but I’m happy to see that looking for a path forward for LIV players to be able to play on both tours and not to get penalised," he said. 

Bryson DeChambeau unhappy with LIV format

LIV Golf's fourth full campaign begins on 4 February. 

After the exit of Brooks Koepka, there was speculation that other high-profile players could follow him out the door. 

Under the PGA Tour's returning member programme, DeChambeau, Rahm and Cameron Smith were also offered the opportunity to cross back over. 

All three players rejected the offer, insisting they were committed to LIV Golf for the 2026 season. 

DeChambeau, who reportedly wants $500m to extend his contract, has suggested his future could be away from LIV. 

He doubled down on the stance during a recent interview with Today's Golfer, explaining that he "didn't sign up" to play 72-hole tournaments.