The future of one of LIV Golf's most prominent stars, Bryson DeChambeau, has been thrown into question following the shock departure of fellow major champion Brooks Koepka from the Saudi-backed series.
Koepka's Exit Sends Shockwaves
In late December 2025, Brooks Koepka announced his time with LIV Golf had concluded. Reports swiftly emerged that the five-time major winner had applied to regain his membership on the PGA Tour. Under current PGA rules, players who participated in LIV events face a 12-month suspension, which would see Koepka eligible to return in August 2026. However, speculation is rife that he could receive a special dispensation for an earlier comeback, a prospect Rory McIlroy has publicly supported.
This dramatic move has inevitably turned the spotlight onto other high-profile LIV signings, particularly Bryson DeChambeau. Like Koepka, DeChambeau was reportedly paid a signing fee of $100 million (£74m) to join LIV in 2022 on a five-year contract. As he enters what is believed to be the final year of that deal, the 32-year-old's commitment is now under intense scrutiny.
DeChambeau's Non-Committal Stance
Speaking on the Flushing It Golf podcast, DeChambeau addressed the situation with notable caution. He described Koepka's exit as "quite a shock" but stated that people make decisions based on their needs. Regarding his own future, 'The Scientist' was far from definitive.
"We have to get to a place where both parties have a good understanding of one another," DeChambeau said. "It is getting to a place that makes sense for both sides. And I think that can happen, but you never know."
He expressed concern about the precedent set if the PGA Tour grants Koepka a swift return, calling it a "slippery slope." When pressed on whether a new LIV contract would be settled before the 2026 season opener in Riyadh, DeChambeau admitted, "I didn't know."
A Shift in Tone and LIV's Changing Landscape
This hesitant tone marks a significant shift from DeChambeau's previous unwavering support. In March 2025, he dismissed rumours of a PGA return, stating he was "very excited about the future of LIV Golf" and that the league was "going to grow at an exponentiating pace." He has been a model ambassador, enthusiastically promoting his Crushers GC team and the LIV model.
Several factors are likely influencing players' deliberations. LIV Golf has confirmed a major format change for its events, moving from 54 to 72 holes, increasing the golf played by 33%. This alters one of the league's initial selling points. Furthermore, the lack of a clear, penalty-free pathway back to the established PGA Tour and major championships remains a persistent issue for some players.
The loss of Koepka is a blow to LIV's credibility. Losing DeChambeau, another major-winning team captain, so soon after would be a relative disaster for the league's stability and public image. His comments suggest contract negotiations are ongoing and hinge on significant improvements being made to the LIV structure.
As the golf world watches Koepka's attempted reintegration, the pressure is now on LIV Golf's leadership to secure its remaining star assets. DeChambeau's future, once seemingly certain, is now one of the sport's most compelling and unresolved stories.
