Jon Rahm declared in court that his time in LIV Golf is over, and the focus has now shifted to Bryson DeChambeau and the other top golfers who could determine if LIV 2.0 survives.
DeChambeau has publicly supported a revamped version of the league, but his future remains uncertain. He's not alone. None of the most prominent players who left the PGA Tour for LIV have committed to remaining with LIV 2.0 for its 2027 season, with some indicating in bankruptcy court filings they want the freedom to pursue other opportunities in case LIV Golf's restructuring effort fails.
A return to the PGA Tour would not be immediate for any of them, based on PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp's most recent comments. Players would need to serve a one-year suspension and compete
on the DP World Tour in 2027 while attempting to earn their way back to the PGA Tour through available pathways.
What happens next will nonetheless reshape professional golf once again. After years of division between LIV Golf and the PGA Tour, the sport is moving closer to realignment and having all of the game's biggest names competing in the same events more often.
Here are the best LIV Golf players other than Jon Rahm who still face major decisions about their future entering the 2027 golf season:
1. Bryson DeChambeau
DeChambeau is the biggest domino left in this situation, and perhaps the only player capable of altering LIV Golf's future at this point. The two-time major winner still has a frosty relationship with the PGA Tour that will need to be thawed, with earnings from his lucrative YouTube channel looming as a potential sticking point. DeChambeau plans to play a DP World Tour event in South Africa in December, fueling speculation about his next move. He has otherwise remained coy about his long-term plans despite publicly backing LIV Golf's restructuring efforts.
Though his play hasn't been as strong of late, the 33-year-old in still in his prime and remains one of the sport's biggest attractions. His major championship pedigree and massive social media following resonate beyond golf fans. If DeChambeau doesn't commit to LIV Golf 2.0, it is difficult to envision the league existing beyond its bankruptcy process. His endorsement could help convince other undecided players to remain on board, making him the most important golfer to watch entering 2027.
2. Tyrrell Hatton
Other than Rahm, Hatton ended the 2026 LIV Golf season as the highest-ranked player in the world golf rankings. The European Ryder Cup mainstay is rumored to be headed to the DP World Tour next season, though he has not officially announced his intentions. Hatton finished tied for third at the Masters and tied for seventh at the U.S. Open in 2026, and remains a consistent presence near the top of leaderboards at age 34.
3. Joaquin Niemann
No golfer has won more LIV Golf events than Niemann, whose decision to leave the PGA Tour in 2022 was one of the league's earliest recruiting victories. Once viewed as one of golf's brightest young stars, the Chilean remains just 27 years old and has recently signaled he could be among the players exploring opportunities outside LIV Golf next season.
Niemann is arguably entering his prime and continues to be one of the sport's most gifted ball-strikers. Niemann could still be a cornerstone player for whichever tour secures his long-term commitment over the next decade.
4. Cameron Smith
Smith has not played at the same level since leaving the PGA Tour for LIV Golf, but he is also only a few years removed from winning the Open Championship and climbing as high as No. 2 in the world rankings. Like several other LIV players, Smith has committed to play DP World Tour events this fall, fueling speculation that he could be exploring options beyond LIV Golf.
The 33-year-old remains one of the biggest names in Australian golf and one of the most recognizable players associated with LIV. A return to a schedule featuring more PGA Tour and DP World Tour events could help him reestablish himself among the game's elite players.
5. Sergio Garcia
Garcia has intimated in bankruptcy court filings that he wants the flexibility to explore other options besides LIV Golf 2.0. Though the 46-year-old Spaniard has a prickly reputation and didn't leave the PGA Tour on great terms, Garcia is also one of the most accomplished golfers attached to LIV.
The former Masters champion was still among LIV's top performers in 2026 and has made no secret of his desire to return to Europe's Ryder Cup team in 2027. That gives Garcia plenty of incentive to play a full DP World Tour schedule and reestablish himself in traditional golf circles.
6. David Puig
Puig left Arizona State early to join LIV Golf in 2022 and has emerged as one of the circuit's most promising young players. The Spaniard captured his first DP World Tour victory at the BMW Australian PGA Championship and appears poised to become one of the world's top international golfers over the next decade. At just 24 years old, Puig's value is as much about his future as his current results.
7. Dustin Johnson
Johnson may have an argument for lifetime PGA Tour membership based on the 20 tournaments he won before leaving for LIV Golf. But the two-time major champion has not played at the same level in recent years and has rarely contended in golf's biggest events since making the jump.
Even so, the 42-year-old remains one of the most recognizable names associated with LIV Golf. His accomplishments and star power would add credibility to any field he enters, regardless of whether he returns to the PGA Tour, DP World Tour or another circuit.
8. Lucas Herbert
Herbert is an under-the-radar name in golf, but he finished fourth in the LIV Golf individual standings in 2026. The 30-year-old Australian is in the prime of his career and could benefit from a bigger spotlight outside of LIV moving forward.
Unlike some of LIV Golf's aging stars, Herbert still has plenty of productive years ahead. His strong recent form, international appeal and age could make him one of the most overlooked potential free agents.
9. Michael La Sasso
The 2025 NCAA champion gave up an invitation to The Masters to turn pro and join LIV Golf last year. La Sasso remains one of the top American talents in the sport and became the youngest winner in LIV Golf history when he captured the league's Indianapolis event to close the 2026 season. At just 23 years old, he is a valuable long-term investment with early results suggesting he's on the verge of much more.
10. Caleb Surratt
Surratt was one of the most highly regarded amateur golfers in the world when he left the University of Tennessee to join LIV Golf in 2024. He'll be appealing for any tour because of his upside and potential, despite just two top-10 finishes this past year.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Who leaves LIV next? Ranking golf's biggest possible free agents
