Rahm denies LIV behind drop in form

Jon Rahm has pushed back against the suggestion that LIV Golf is responsible for his major-championship struggles. 

Days after winning the Abu Dhabi Championship, the Spaniard said the responsibility lies with his own swing and execution, not with his decision to join the breakaway league at the end of 2023.

Rahm’s week in Abu Dhabi made the point for him. Playing his first event since leaving LIV, he closed with a five-under 67 at Yas Links to finish at 23 under par, two shots ahead of Tyrrell Hatton and four clear of Rory McIlroy. 

It was his first DP World Tour title in four years, his sixth Rolex Series crown and his 11th title on the European circuit.

The victory arrived after a turbulent period. Rahm had spent seven weeks away from competition, during which his wife gave birth to their fourth child, and he completed his separation from LIV Golf.

 He admitted that his previous DP World Tour appearance had been poor, saying that, aside from withdrawals, he had finished last, so returning from that low point to win made the Abu Dhabi result especially meaningful.

Speaking before the DP World Tour season finale in Dubai, Rahm was asked whether he believed he was entering another peak.

He responded by challenging the assumption that LIV had caused his poor results at the majors. “We’ve got to stop blaming LIV for me playing poorly at the majors,” he said. “I know what you are all trying to insinuate. It’s not because of LIV. It’s my own.”

His argument is that the issues began before LIV. After winning the 2023 Masters, Rahm said he did not play well until the Ryder Cup later that year.

He joined LIV in December 2023, but by then he believed his swing was already below the standard required to contend consistently on golf’s biggest stages.

Rahm pointed to the PGA Championship as evidence. He said he had chances to win the event in each of the past two years, including a tie for second in 2026, three shots behind Aaron Rai. “It’s my own doing and my own, let’s say, golf swing problems,” he said.