PGA Tour announcer predicts Jon Rahm's LIV Golf future with blunt message

CBS Sports on-course announcer Colt Knost believes Jon Rahm will waste little time leaving LIV Golf once the league's 2026 season comes to an end.

Former PGA Tour pro Knost, who has been an outspoken critic of the Saudi-backed circuit since its launch, reacted on social media after reports emerged this week claiming LIV Golf could be heading towards a major financial restructuring.

The speculation originated from popular golf media account Flushing It, which said multiple sources had indicated LIV Golf could enter bankruptcy proceedings as part of a wider restructuring of its finances and player contracts.

There has been no confirmation from LIV Golf that any bankruptcy filing or restructuring is planned.

Despite that, Knost was quick to offer his own prediction on what the developments could mean for Rahm.

Posting on X, Knost shared a GIF of Forrest Gump sprinting away alongside the caption: "This will be Rahm once the final putt drops in the 2026 LIV season. First stop Ponte Vedra!"

The reference to Ponte Vedra, Florida, was a clear nod to PGA Tour HQ, with Knost suggesting the two-time major champion would immediately look to return to the American circuit.

Rahm's future has become a major talking point after he declined to guarantee he would still be playing on LIV Golf in 2027 when questioned during LIV Golf UK last week.

According to Flushing It, the Spaniard could play a pivotal role in any restructuring because he is reportedly still owed a nine-figure sum from the deal he signed before joining LIV Golf ahead of the 2024 season.

The account claimed Rahm could become one of LIV Golf's largest creditors should any bankruptcy process take place, while also alleging players have been approached about exchanging outstanding payments for equity in a proposed "LIV Golf 2.0" structure.

Those claims remain unverified, and LIV Golf has not publicly commented on them.

The latest report comes at a time when the league is also attempting to secure fresh investment beyond 2026 after the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF) confirmed earlier this year it would no longer continue funding LIV Golf beyond the current season.

However, there could yet be a lifeline.

According to a report by New York Post journalist Mark Cannizzaro, LIV Golf is closing in on a $250 million investment that could help secure the league's future beyond this season.

Even if new funding is secured though, questions remain over whether LIV can retain its biggest stars should significant changes be made to player contracts.

PGA Tour announcer Knost clearly believes Rahm's future lies elsewhere.

Under current PGA Tour regulations, Rahm remains suspended after joining LIV Golf and would ordinarily have to serve a one-year suspension before becoming eligible to return.

Earlier this season, the PGA Tour introduced a Returning Membership program that was only available to Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau, Brooks Koepka and Cameron Smith. 

Five-time major champion Koepka was the only one to accept the offer after deciding to leave LIV Golf at the end of 2025. 

It remains unclear whether another opportunity could become available to Rahm or other players in the future.

Patrick Reed quit LIV Golf earlier this season but was made to serve out the remainder of his PGA Tour suspension, which ends this month. 

Rahm has now settled his fines on the DP World Tour, meaning he is eligible for selection by Luke Donald for Europe's Ryder Cup team at Adare Manor in 2027.

Should he decide to leave LIV Golf and not be immediately let back onto the PGA Tour, then he will at least have a full schedule available to him on the DPWT. 

Whether Knost's prediction proves accurate remains to be seen.