The internet may have gotten a little ahead of itself on Jon Rahm.

Over the last few days, rumors have been flying that Rahm is preparing to leave LIV Golf and has already worked out some sort of deal to return to the PGA Tour.

The first part might eventually prove true.

The second part appears to be a much bigger stretch.

Golf Digest’s Joel Beall poured some cold water on the PGA Tour rumors yesterday:

“All Rahm smoke is coming from his camp. Tour already offered a reprieve and he (and DeChambeau and Smith) declined. Besides, Koepka wanted to return; Rahm + others asking only because LIV’s in trouble. Rolapp will not waste political capital re-extending immunity.”

Source

That’s a pretty important distinction.

Rahm Leaving LIV Is Not The Same As Rahm Returning To The PGA Tour

There appears to be legitimate uncertainty surrounding Rahm’s future with LIV.

Last week, Reuters cited a Telegraph report saying LIV officials were “almost resigned” to Rahm leaving after this season. The report also said the DP World Tour was increasingly confident Rahm would play more events there next year.

Naturally, that sparked speculation that a PGA Tour return was next.

But there’s a problem.

The PGA Tour already gave Rahm that opportunity.

When Brooks Koepka returned earlier this year, the Tour created a time-sensitive pathway that was also offered to Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau and Cameron Smith.

Koepka took it.

The other three did not.

According to Beall, PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp isn’t particularly interested in reopening that door now simply because LIV’s situation has become considerably less comfortable.

And you can understand why.

There’s a big difference between Koepka approaching the Tour because he wanted to come back and LIV players looking for an exit once the league starts running into trouble.

So, What Happens Now?

Rahm could still leave LIV.

He could play significantly more on the DP World Tour.

And, eventually, he could absolutely find his way back onto the PGA Tour.

But as of right now, there does not appear to be some secret handshake agreement sending Rahm back to the Tour.

For now, the most accurate version of the story is much less exciting:

Jon Rahm’s future with LIV Golf looks increasingly uncertain. His return to the PGA Tour does not appear to be a done deal.

In other words, there’s smoke.

Just probably not from the fire everyone thought.