Report: Jon Rahm isn't the only former Masters champion set to quit LIV Golf

Former Masters champion Jon Rahm isn't the only green jacket winner who will leave LIV Golf, according to a report.

Per Spanish outlet TenGolf, two-time Masters champion Bubba Watson has also decided not to commit his future to the breakaway league.

LIV Golf has been reeling since April, when Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund confirmed it would no longer bankroll the venture.

Its chief executive, Scott O'Neil, revealed last month that a "term sheet" had been signed with a new investor to take the league forward in 2027 and beyond.

But O'Neil confirmed that player buy-in was crucial to getting the transaction over the line.

The former NBA executive said players had until September 1 to declare whether or not they wanted to be part of what he is calling "LIV Golf 2.0", which is expected to feature 10 events in 2027 and smaller prize purses.

TenGolf reports that Rahm and Watson were among those who indicated they wanted out.

Telegraph Sport reported last month LIV officials were resigned to losing Rahm. He is yet to comment. 

His compatriot, David Puig, is also reportedly set to depart.

Puig joined LIV Golf after turning professional in 2022. He was initially part of Joaquin Niemann's Torque GC before joining Sergio Garcia's Fireballs GC.

TenGolf is also reporting that Bryson DeChambeau will remain with LIV.

DeChambeau's future has been debated for months. Telegraph Sport reported before the 2025 Ryder Cup the two-time U.S. Open champion wanted $500m to remain with LIV. 

DeChambeau's contract has now expired, and the American has expressed a desire to combine playing on the PGA Tour again and also remain with LIV. 

Such a prospect seems unlikely. He also said he was willing to concentrate on making YouTube videos around the majors and playing in events "that actually want me". 

DeChambeau has received an invite to play in Gary Player's Nedbank Golf Challenge in December.

Major champions Cameron Smith and Dustin Johnson will also be part of the new LIV, according to the report.

Smith joined LIV shortly after winning the landmark 150th Open at St Andrews and has spoken of his desire to remain with the league.

Johnson also signed a contract extension with LIV at the beginning of the year.

The report also claims several other European players could depart LIV if the DP World Tour does not loosen its restrictions.

The European-based circuit has fined LIV players since the league's inception but struck a deal with eight of its members in February.

The DP World Tour granted conditional releases to Tyrrell Hatton, Laurie Canter, Thomas Detry, Tom McKibbin, Adrian Meronk, Victor Perez, Elvis Smylie and Puig, allowing them to compete in conflicting LIV events during the 2026 season without facing further disciplinary action, provided they met the terms of their individual agreements.

Those conditions included paying outstanding fines, withdrawing pending appeals and committing to additional stipulated DP World Tour events and associated media obligations. 

The DP World Tour stressed that the agreements applied only to 2026 and were not precedent-setting.

In August, The Athletic reported that the DP World Tour was set to begin fining and suspending LIV players in 2027.

The DP World Tour also plays a key role in determining the European Ryder Cup team, meaning continued membership and compliance with its regulations could have implications for players hoping to represent Europe at the 2027 Ryder Cup at Adare Manor in Ireland.

TenGolf's report also touches upon the proposed new structure of LIV.

In 2026, LIV had 13 teams, but the reported plan for 2027 would reduce that number to 10.

Field sizes would increase to 90 players, with 50 additional players joining each event through an open format.

Prize purses are also reportedly expected to fall from $25m to between $7-9m.