Canada's Mackenzie Hughes and Carl Yuan, of China, are the immediate beneficiaries of Rahm's decision to sign with the rival league.

PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan said in a memo to players on Monday that the suspension, due to "association with a series of unauthorised tournaments", removes Rahm's name from the FedExCup eligibility points list.

That means Hughes goes from No.51 to No.50 in the world, and becomes eligible for all seven of the $US20 million ($A30 million) signature events in 2024.

It also means Yuan, who was signed up for Q-school this week, moves up one spot to No.125 and will receive a full PGA Tour card for next year.

The tour last year distinguished between the FedExCup standings and a separate list related to eligibility for the post-season and for status.

The distinction was so players defecting to LIV would not have a negative impact on those who stayed behind.

Among those who benefited last year were Rickie Fowler, who got into the post-season because of all the players who left for LIV, and Jimmy Walker and Rory Sabbatini, who moved up on the career money list and were able to use one-time exemptions to keep full status.

U.S golfer Alex Smalley goes to the No.60 spot and is assured of two $US20 million events, while the changes also affect Paul Haley, who moves to No.150 giving him at least conditional status.

It could also benefit Sahith Theegala, who finished No.31 to narrowly miss the Tour Championship.

The American moves up to No.30, which could bring automatic entry to the U.S Open. This year, the tournament recognised the top-30 who were eligible.

The movements were allowed because the new season has not started.

If more PGA Tour players follow Rahm’s lead and leave for LIV before the end of the year, that could lead to more changes.