Kevin Kisner makes bold Jon Rahm PGA Tour return prediction after LIV Golf exit

Kevin Kisner has offered his prediction on Jon Rahm's PGA Tour future, with the American expecting commissioner Brian Rolapp to stand firm despite the Spaniard's decision to leave LIV Golf.

Rahm's next move has become a major talking point after his lawyer recently confirmed he will not continue with LIV Golf for its planned 2027 relaunch.

However, Kisner believes Rahm should not expect an immediate return to the PGA Tour after previously turning down an opportunity to rejoin the circuit.

The four-time PGA Tour winner has also found himself in the headlines following comments about Rory McIlroy, adding another layer of intrigue to his recent comments on the future of professional golf.

The PGA Tour introduced its Returning Member Program in early 2026, creating a pathway for a select group of former members to return after leaving for LIV Golf.

Brooks Koepka was the only player to take advantage of the initiative, while Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau and Cameron Smith opted to remain with the breakaway league.

Rahm would have been eligible after winning the 2023 Masters, but he made it clear that he was committed to LIV at the time.

Now, with his future at the league over, questions have emerged over whether Rolapp might reconsider his position.

Kisner, speaking on the Fore Play Podcast, suggested that the PGA Tour boss would be reluctant to reopen the program.

"I had this discussion at lunch today with some fellow tour players I played with this morning, and everyone's all over the place on it. Nobody really knows," Kisner said.

"My personal stance is Rolapp's going to stick to his guns and be like, I gave you an opportunity to come back. I gave you a pathway in the off-season. You elected not to take it. Now go earn your way back onto our tour."

Kisner suggested that Rahm could pursue a route back through the DP World Tour, although the precise requirements for restoring PGA Tour membership would depend on the applicable rules.

Watch Kisner's comments in full here:

When Koepka returned to the PGA Tour, Rahm showed little interest in following his fellow major champion.

"I'm not planning on going anywhere, so very similar answer to what Bryson gave," Rahm said at the time.

"I wish Brooks the best, and as far as I'm concerned, I'm focused on LIV for this year and hoping my team can repeat as champs."

Rahm's decision was a significant boost for LIV, but the situation has since changed.

The Saudi Public Investment Fund's withdrawal of financial backing after five seasons has cast doubt over the league's future, with BC Partners ready to step in should things go according to plan on a new deal. 

But Rahm will not be part of LIV 2.0. 

The DP World Tour is an obvious possibility given his membership of the European circuit. However, leaving LIV does not automatically guarantee a PGA Tour return, and there has been no confirmation that the Returning Member Program will be revived. 

Should Rahm head back to the DP World Tour in 2027, which is expected, he would need to earn one of the 10 cards on the circuit back to the PGA Tour.

There is also a situation where Rahm could earn his way back onto the PGA Tour for 2028 but only be eligible to compete on the Challenger Series rather than the Championship Series, but those still remain unanswered questions. 

Rahm's future is not the only reason Kisner has been making headlines.

The American also suggested that McIlroy travelled to play in last week's DP World India Championship primarily to collect a substantial appearance fee.

The remarks sparked discussion about the financial incentives surrounding high-profile golf appearances and the responsibilities that come with being one of the sport's biggest names.

Watch McIlroy's response here: 

Kisner now works as an NBC Sports analyst during PGA Tour events alongside his playing commitments.

That role gives him a prominent platform to discuss the issues shaping the game, although his latest prediction about Rahm remains his personal assessment rather than an official indication of Rolapp's intentions.

Kisner has also been omitted from the Jupiter Links Golf Club roster for the third season of TGL, the indoor golf league established by Tiger Woods and McIlroy.

He had represented Woods' team during the competition's first two seasons, but was left out when the latest line-ups were announced.

Jupiter Links' roster features Woods, Max Homa, Tom Kim, Akshay Bhatia and new signing Keith Mitchell.

Kisner's growing broadcasting commitments may help explain why his playing schedule is changing, but there is no confirmed link between his omission and the reported McIlroy controversy.

Rahm's departure from LIV has created an important question for Rolapp: should a former member who previously rejected a return opportunity be offered another chance?

Bringing former World No.1 Rahm back would strengthen the PGA Tour's fields, but reopening the program could undermine the conditions established for players who chose to leave.

For now, Kisner expects Rolapp to stand by his earlier position and require Rahm to earn his way back.

Whether the PGA Tour ultimately takes that approach remains to be seen.