The future of American star Bryson DeChambeau within the LIV Golf league has been thrown into question following the surprise departure of fellow major champion Brooks Koepka. Koepka announced in late December 2025 that his time with the Saudi-backed tour was over, with reports confirming he has applied to regain his PGA Tour membership.
Koepka's Shock Exit and PGA Comeback Path
Brooks Koepka's decision to leave LIV Golf sent shockwaves through the sport. It is understood he has formally applied to rejoin the PGA Tour, where, under current rules, he would be eligible to compete again from August 2026. This is due to a regulation that imposes a 12-month suspension on players who have participated in LIV events. However, there is growing speculation that Koepka could receive a special dispensation to return earlier, a prospect that has drawn mixed reactions from his peers.
DeChambeau, who like Koepka signed a lucrative deal worth a reported $100 million (£74m) in 2022, is now entering what is believed to be the final year of his initial five-year contract. The 32-year-old addressed the situation candidly in a recent interview, describing Koepka's move as "quite a shock" and acknowledging the uncertain landscape.
DeChambeau's Non-Committal Stance
Speaking on the Flushing It Golf podcast, DeChambeau struck a notably different tone compared to his previously unwavering support for LIV. "We have to get to a place where both parties have a good understanding of one another," he stated. "It is [about] 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 of a swift PGA Tour return for defectors, calling it a "slippery slope" if special exemptions are granted. When pressed on his own future, 'The Scientist' was evasive, saying he "didn't know" if a new contract would be agreed before the season opener in Riyadh. He emphasised, "I want to grow team golf across the globe. But it has to be right... Things have got to change. Things have got to improve."
This marks a significant shift from his bullish comments in March 2025, when he dismissed rumours of a departure, stating he was "very excited about the future of LIV Golf" and that the league "isn't going anywhere."
Format Changes and Wider Implications
The league's recent decision to switch from a 54-hole to a 72-hole format for its events, increasing the golf played by 33%, is seen as a key factor influencing player decisions. This move aligns LIV more closely with traditional golf but also removes a key element of its shorter, sharper appeal for some competitors.
While Koepka was never a vocal ambassador for LIV, DeChambeau has been one of its most prominent and enthusiastic advocates, proudly captaining the Crushers GC (referred to as Smashers GC in some reports). His potential exit would therefore send a far more damaging signal to the league than Koepka's. Losing one team captain is a blow; losing two would be a relative disaster for LIV's stability and public image.
The pathway for Koepka's return remains unclear, but he has received public support from figures like Rory McIlroy, who stated it "absolutely" made sense for the PGA Tour to welcome him back. The coming months will be critical in determining whether DeChambeau follows his rival's lead or recommits to the LIV project.
