Golf star Bryson DeChambeau has revealed he is not prepared to pledge his long-term future to the LIV Golf series, following the seismic departure of fellow major champion Brooks Koepka from the Saudi-backed circuit.
Koepka's Exit Sends Shockwaves
The landscape of professional golf was rocked by the announcement that five-time major winner Brooks Koepka will leave the breakaway league. Koepka was one of the most high-profile defectors from the traditional PGA Tour, making his exit a significant moment for the rebel tour's stability and appeal.
DeChambeau, a US Ryder Cup hero and one of golf's most recognisable figures, confessed he was "shocked" by the news. His own contract with LIV is set to conclude at the end of the 2025 season, and discussions about an early extension are reportedly underway. However, the 2020 US Open champion struck a cautious tone about his next steps.
"Things Have Got to Change" - DeChambeau's Stance
In an interview with the podcast Flushing It, DeChambeau emphasised that any new deal must be mutually beneficial. "We have to get to a place where both parties have a good understanding of one another," he stated. "It is getting to a place that makes sense for both sides. And, I think that can happen, but you never know."
He pointedly added that "things have got to change, things have got to improve" within the LIV setup. The Californian expressed a desire to grow team golf globally but insisted the conditions must be right for him to continue.
Concerns Over a "Slippery Slope"
DeChambeau also voiced apprehension about the potential precedent set by Koepka's move. He said he respected his rival's decision but warned it would create a "slippery slope" if Koepka received a "special exemption" to return to the PGA Tour. "[That] definitely opens the doors for others to do the same," DeChambeau remarked, highlighting the ongoing tension between the two golfing factions.
With the first LIV event of the new season scheduled for February, DeChambeau admitted he is unsure if his future will be resolved by then. "There's a lot of things to go through," he said. "With Brooks leaving it definitely throws in some unique things... There's a lot of things that have to be done in order for it to be right."
The departure of a star of Koepka's calibre has undoubtedly intensified scrutiny on LIV Golf's long-term viability and its ability to retain its top-tier talent, with DeChambeau's hesitancy marking another crucial chapter in this ongoing saga.
