Even as the PGA Tour progresses through its FedEx Cup Fall schedule, various corners of the golfing landscape have raised several inquiries over recent months. LIV Golf is currently proceeding through insolvency proceedings that are projected to end in the complete winding down of the organization by early 2027, whereas the DP World Tour travels to Dubai for the climax of its playoff series.
Positioned at the core of both situations is Jon Rahm, who maintains his status among the global elite in golf despite participating in fewer high-stakes events in recent seasons. Precise questions linger regarding Rahm’s next moves now that LIV Golf has closed operations and he has secured his contractual exit.
Regarding women’s golf, the sport steadily advances as WTGL debuted for spectators over the previous weekend, marking the start of its first official campaign.
Golf continues its forward momentum, and CBS Sports tracks every development as we explore the most urgent topics and talking points in this debut installment of The Three Putt.
Although Rahm holds eligibility to compete on the DP World Tour in 2027, he has indicated a willingness to rejoin the PGA Tour and even endure specific sanctions if chief executive Brian Rolapp and key decision-makers present a proposal. Were you directing the PGA Tour, in what manner would you manage Rahm and his competitive standing heading into the upcoming campaign?
Robby Kalland: I would extend a framework comparable to, yet costlier than, the terms Brooks Koepka accepted (which Rahm and several peers previously turned down). Rahm notably held out until LIV Golf presented a proposal he deemed irresistible, and though he will forfeit a substantial portion of those funds following the circuit’s financial collapse, his monetary sanction (by way of a charity contribution) to gain reinstatement ought to surpass Koepka’s $5 million requirement. I would elevate that figure to $10 million to allow Rahm to demonstrate loyalty to the Tour and the colleagues he abandoned. Otherwise, I would retain the overall blueprint—stripping five years of Player Equity Program eligibility and barring him from 2027 FedEx Cup bonus distributions.
Compelling Rahm to spend a full year restricted to the DP World Tour—which remains a rival entity to some degree despite their formal partnership—serves no benefit to the PGA Tour. Every stakeholder will eventually recognize that establishing a route back to the PGA Tour is the optimal outcome. What would your preferred resolution look like under these circumstances?
Patrick McDonald: I would readmit him as well, and like you noted, both factions share strong motivation to negotiate terms. The process will lack the relative simplicity of Koepka’s situation (assuming one considers that simple), given Rahm currently possesses access to signature tournaments through the Official World Golf Rankings, alongside the reality that the FedEx Cup finishes after 2027; nevertheless, leadership earns ample compensation to iron out the finer points to satisfy rank-and-file members while disciplining Rahm. One must also highlight how significant the early PGA Tour calendar is for Rahm, who previously claimed titles at The American Express and the Genesis Invitational. Furthermore, he maintains personal ties to both Torrey Pines and the Phoenix area, where he resides with his six-person household.
Kalland: Allow me to add one concluding thought regarding member satisfaction. Rolapp recognizes entirely that players do not occupy equal standing within the PGA Tour structure. Although Rahm discovered firsthand—upon departing for LIV Golf—that his individual draw was smaller than he envisioned, he remains significant enough to warrant an entry path, regardless of perceived fairness. Certain peers will certainly voice discontent, yet as you highlighted, his position in the world rankings remains sufficiently high to gain access to premier competitions on pure merit without twisting regulatory standards.
McDonald: Professional golfers complaining?! Unheard of.
Let’s pivot topics, given that the DP World Tour is closing in on its season finale. Rahm has climbed to the 11th spot in the Race to Dubai order of merit following his victory in Abu Dhabi. Fellow former LIV Golf player Eugenio Chacarra currently occupies the top spot in the overall standings, with Rory McIlroy seeking his eighth Race to Dubai title and Patrick Reed sitting in third place. What element excites you most about this stretch?
Kalland: My focus is on whether Chacarra can withstand the challenge from Reed, McIlroy, and the remaining field. He has performed brilliantly throughout this campaign, solidifying his standing as a prominent figure on the DP World Tour by capturing three victories alongside four additional top-three results, following a subdued stretch during his final years with LIV Golf. For golf enthusiasts in North America, he is guaranteed to secure a PGA Tour card via the Race to Dubai standings, offering an opportunity to acquaint themselves with a competitor capable of making an immediate impact on Tour come 2027. We will observe how he handles intense scrutiny against world-class opposition in Dubai, and I am eager to see him solidify his reputation as an emerging talent. What has captured your interest?
McDonald: Chacarra’s flair and performance have reintroduced the word “swashbuckler” to my vocabulary, for which I owe him gratitude. I appreciate your use of the word “interest,” because—without intending to introduce political matters (something I refrain from doing)—it feels remarkable that this event is proceeding considering the ongoing regional circumstances. My main desire is for us to experience additional seamless golf coverage. The prospect of Rahm triumphing in Abu Dhabi and maintaining a genuine opportunity to claim the overall Race to Dubai title strikes me as equally amusing and remarkable. I genuinely hope he captures the trophy considering his recent financial setbacks in legal proceedings.
Kalland: I concur. Should we manage to wrap up another full event and witness a golfer hoisting that massive Race to Dubai trophy at the conclusion, it will seem like quite a feat.
WTGL launched (or commenced play?) this past Sunday featuring a traditional Los Angeles against New York matchup that highlighted Michelle Wie West’s comeback opposite Lydia Ko and Rose Zhang. What expectations do you hold for WTGL’s first campaign, and will it prove viable over time? How would you measure success for this newly established indoor circuit?
McDonald: Surprisingly enough, I was physically present on the ground artificial grass this past Sunday. With my Steelers taking their bye week, I was actively working within the interior of the venue known as the SoFi Center. It astounded me that the event launched on Sunday afternoon at 3 p.m. Eastern Time. Who determined it was prudent to inaugurate the competition directly during an NFL Sunday broadcast window? WTGL features four matches slated for broadcast across the ABC network family this season, with every single one competing head-to-head against NFL action. One does not need to be an analyst to realize viewer attention will be directed elsewhere. My outlook remains modest, and achieving success might consist of nothing more than presenting a pair of fresh figures for LPGA supporters to embrace. Does that sound overly critical?
Kalland: Not at all. That likely represents the realistic objective. Without delving excessively into broadcast scheduling strategy, networks routinely utilize women’s sports programming (such as the WNBA, NWSL, or women’s collegiate basketball) to counterprogram against the NFL. The underlying premise presumably relies on the belief that audience overlap with NFL broadcasts is minimal.
Even so, competing directly against NFL programming inherently restricts your capacity to attract fresh viewers. The most compelling aspect of TGL has been observing the distinct personalities of PGA Tour competitors—with some impressing while others… fail to do so. I anticipate WTGL will follow a similar path. If the league generates a couple of widely shared highlights and allows several players beyond Nelly Korda to display their character for fans to connect with, that would represent a net positive for women’s golf, even if I doubt it will fundamentally transform the landscape of the sport.
