Abu Dhabi win showed Rahm what comes next days after LIV Golf’s death

A different Rahm in Abu Dhabi

At his previous start, Rahm finished last at the BMW PGA Championship while still wearing LIV Golf team clothing. The account described him as struggling with his decision to leave the PGA Tour, its effect on his play and the public response.

In Abu Dhabi, Rahm competed without team logos on his clothes. After rounds of 65, 67 and 66, he held the lead going into Sunday at Yas Links and went on to win the DP World Tour Rolex Series event.

LIV’s collapse changes the picture

LIV Golf drew mild reactions from Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton in Abu Dhabi. The league, once backed by $6 billion from Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, was left offering player equity, smaller purses and fewer playing opportunities before filing for Chapter 11.

The league’s rise had divided professional golf since 2022, while discussion of unification followed tournaments featuring the sport’s leading voices. Rahm’s win arrived as the tour landscape shifted again.

A possible 2027 tour landscape

The Abu Dhabi leaderboard included Rahm and Hatton, alongside Rory McIlroy and Adam Scott. The article said Rahm and Hatton would likely play on the European Tour in 2027 as they seek a route back to the PGA Tour.

The DP World Tour expects 2027 to bring more prominent players to its events. McIlroy, Tommy Fleetwood and other PGA Tour stars are also expected to continue competing on their home circuit, potentially strengthening the European tour.

Rahm describes a calmer week

At the PGA Championship in May, Rahm said he did not regret leaving the PGA Tour, though he had learned from the choice. He did not explain what he had learned, but said it would help him return to the top of the game. Asked whether the Abu Dhabi victory began a new chapter, Rahm said, “One can say that.” He also described the week as calm, saying that even when events did not go to plan, little seemed to bother him.