The PGA Tour is weighing how to handle Jon Rahm's potential return after LIV Golf's bankruptcy process, which is expected to conclude with a league liquidation in early 2027. Rahm, who left for LIV Golf, has negotiated a release from his contract and expressed openness to returning to the PGA Tour, even accepting penalties. Meanwhile, the DP World Tour heads to Dubai for its season-ending playoffs, where Rahm sits 11th in the Race to Dubai standings after winning in Abu Dhabi. Eugenio Chacarra leads the standings, with Rory McIlroy chasing an eighth title and Patrick Reed in third.
Analysts Robby Kalland and Patrick McDonald both argue the PGA Tour should bring Rahm back, but with a stiffer penalty than the $5 million charitable donation Brooks Koepka paid. Kalland suggests doubling it to $10 million, plus forfeiting five years of Player Equity Program eligibility and missing 2027 FedEx Cup bonus payouts. McDonald notes Rahm's eligibility for signature events via the Official World Golf Rankings and his ties to early-season PGA Tour stops like The American Express and Genesis Invitational.
On the DP World Tour, Chacarra's strong season — three wins and four other top-three finishes — has positioned him to earn a PGA Tour card through the Race to Dubai rankings. Both analysts are eager to see if he can hold off McIlroy and Reed in Dubai. Rahm's Abu Dhabi victory gives him a legitimate shot at the Race to Dubai title, which would be notable given his recent financial setbacks from LIV Golf's bankruptcy.
The Women's Indoor Golf League (WTGL) began its inaugural season last Sunday with a Los Angeles vs. New York match featuring Michelle Wie West, Lydia Ko, and Rose Zhang. However, the league's scheduling against NFL games on Sunday afternoons has raised concerns about viewership. McDonald, who attended the debut at SoFi Center, set low expectations, suggesting success might simply be introducing one or two new personalities for LPGA fans. Kalland agreed, noting that counterprogramming the NFL with women's sports is common but limits reach for new fans.
