Jon Rahm’s future has suddenly become one of the biggest talking points in professional golf, and Scottie Scheffler has now added another layer to the growing uncertainty surrounding the Spaniard’s next move.
The former world No. 1 has been heavily linked with a possible return to the PGA Tour after his time with LIV Golf, with reports suggesting that significant changes could be coming once the 2026 season concludes.
Rahm’s potential return would be a major development for the PGA Tour. The 2023 Masters champion remains one of the most accomplished players in the world and has continued to produce impressive results since joining LIV.
But if Rahm does decide to make the switch, it appears his path back to the PGA Tour may not be completely straightforward.
Scheffler was asked about the possibility of Rahm and other LIV stars returning while speaking ahead of the BMW Championship.
The world No. 1 admitted there are players on LIV whom he would like to compete against more regularly.
“There’s definitely some players that would provide a lot of value to the Tour, and guys that I love competing against as well.”
However, Scheffler then made a particularly interesting point about what should happen to players who previously left the PGA Tour.
“So I think going forward there obviously has to be, I think, some sort of penalties.”
Scheffler stopped short of deciding what those penalties should be, leaving that responsibility to PGA Tour leadership.
“What those are, I’ll let Brian Rolapp and all those guys figure out.”
Scheffler wants the best players back
Despite his comments about penalties, Scheffler made it clear that he would welcome the opportunity to face LIV’s leading players more frequently.
“For me being able to compete against the best players in the world there’s certainly some guys on that Tour that can compete out here and I look forward to the chance to compete with them more often.”
That could be particularly significant for Rahm, who has remained one of LIV’s biggest stars since making his controversial move in 2023.
The Spaniard reportedly joined the league for a deal worth around $350 million and has since won three consecutive LIV Golf Individual Championships.
Brooks Koepka already set a precedent
There is already a recent example of a LIV player returning to the PGA Tour.
Brooks Koepka left LIV in December 2025 and returned to the PGA Tour under its Returning Membership program.
His comeback, however, came with conditions.
Koepka was required to make a $5 million charitable payment and was prevented from competing in PGA Tour Signature Events, restrictions that ultimately contributed to his struggles in the FedEx Cup standings.
Rahm, DeChambeau and Cameron Smith had reportedly been offered the same pathway earlier this year, but all three declined.
That could now become important if Rahm decides to leave LIV.
McIlroy sees things differently
Scheffler’s comments also contrast with Rory McIlroy’s position.
McIlroy was asked about the possibility of LIV players returning and appeared less convinced that their presence was necessary.
“I’d argue, have they brought value to LIV? You know. I think the PGA Tour is in a really good spot.”
The differing views from two of the PGA Tour’s biggest stars highlight the difficult decision facing the organisation.
Rahm’s future could ultimately depend not only on what happens to LIV Golf after 2026, but also on the conditions the PGA Tour places on his return.
And with the end of the LIV season approaching, the question is no longer simply whether Jon Rahm could return—it is what he may have to give up to make it happen.
