Rahm shares second at PGA Championship as LIV uncertainty appears to liberate play

Jon Rahm secured a shared second-place finish at the 2025 PGA Championship at Aronimink, concluding the tournament two shots behind winner Aaron Rai. The 31-year-old Spanish golfer began the final round two shots off the lead, marking his first top-five finish in a major championship since joining LIV Golf in December 2023. Rahm shared the runner-up position with Alex Smalley, while Bryson DeChambeau missed two consecutive major cuts, highlighting a divergence in form among prominent figures in the sport.

The result stands in stark contrast to Rahm’s performance at The Masters one month prior, which was described as an incredibly disappointing outcome. Analysts noted that Rahm’s recent play has been characterised by a positive shift, with Ryan Lavner describing the golfer’s mindset and performance as "weird" but encouraging. Lavner observed that Rahm recorded the most fairways and greens of the week on Sunday but took 33 putts, failing to "unlock" his putting performance despite playing spectacularly in other aspects of the game.

Rex Hoggard suggested that the uncertainty surrounding LIV Golf’s future has contributed to this resurgence. Reports indicate that the Public Investment Fund is pulling away from LIV Golf at the end of this year, creating a period of limbo for the tour. Hoggard argued that this instability has "freed up" Rahm, allowing him to perform better than he did at Augusta National. He noted that Rahm’s comments regarding the security of his contract, which he described as "lock-solid," may have provided the clarity needed to focus on his game.

Rahm’s performance at Aronimink included a case to be considered the best player in the world when he was tied for the lead during the final round. However, the result serves as a significant benchmark, as he had not registered a top-five finish in a major prior to this event since his move to LIV. Analysts described his post-round interviews as non-defensive, with Rahm providing good perspective on the challenges he has faced over the past couple of years.

The tournament concluded with Aaron Rai claiming the Wanamaker Trophy, while Rahm’s showing has been viewed as a sign of a potential return to his previous world-class level. The long-term future of LIV Golf remains unclear due to the reported withdrawal of the Public Investment Fund, leaving questions about the sustainability of the tour and the careers of its players. Rahm’s ability to contend in a major under these circumstances has drawn attention from analysts who view his recent form as a notable development in professional golf.