Bryson DeChambeau has stated that the most important factor in deciding whether to return to the PGA Tour is whether his fellow players would welcome him back. The 32-year-old was one of the high-profile golfers to leave the PGA Tour for LIV Golf, the breakaway series heavily financed by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF).
Uncertain Future for LIV Golf
The future of LIV Golf has been thrown into doubt after the PIF confirmed it would not continue funding the series beyond the current season. The breakaway league is now seeking new investors to sustain its operations. DeChambeau, a two-time US Open champion, was offered a chance to rejoin the PGA Tour earlier this year through its returning member programme but declined, unlike Brooks Koepka who made the move.
DeChambeau's Stance on Rejoining
Speaking to Skratch, DeChambeau emphasised that the decision rests with the players. "I think there's a way to solve any problem. It's really about if the membership wants me back and if they just want me back. That's what it's about," he said. "I don't even think it's Brian Rolapp or any of the top executives. It's really if the players want me back and if not, then I understand that."
DeChambeau admitted he was shocked by the announcement of LIV's potential demise, having been told previously that financing was secured until 2032. He expressed hope that the situation could lead to a unification of golf. "I was completely shocked. I didn't expect it to happen. A couple months before that, it's like: 'We're here until 2032. We've got financing until 2032,' and so I told everybody, and that's what I was told," he explained.
Future Plans and Content Creation
DeChambeau, who boasts a YouTube channel with 2.69 million subscribers and has featured guests like President Donald Trump, has hinted that his future might shift towards content creation rather than professional golf. He noted that the team franchises within LIV are now profitable enough to be sold for close to $200 million. "I think it requires a little bit of everybody just lowering their guards and all coming together and going: 'OK, what's best for the game of golf?'" he added.
