Three of LIV Golf's biggest stars have emphatically shut down speculation that they will follow Brooks Koepka back to the PGA Tour, dealing a blow to hopes of a swift reunification in the sport.
LIV Trio Commit to Breakaway Tour
Cameron Smith, Jon Rahm and Bryson DeChambeau have all publicly declared they are not seeking to rejoin the PGA Tour via its newly announced Returning Member Program. The pathway, unveiled by PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp, offered a limited window for certain elite LIV players to apply for reinstatement under strict financial penalties.
The program specifically applied to players who had won a major before 2022 or had claimed The Players' Championship. This included the trio, who, like Koepka, would have faced significant fines and restrictions. They had until February 2 to take up the offer, a deadline set just two days before LIV's 2026 season begins in Riyadh.
Smith, the 2022 Open Champion and Ripper GC captain, was unequivocal. "I really don't have any thoughts," he stated. "I know I'm here to stay. I'm here to support LIV. I'm a captain of a great team and a great group of people." The Australian, who signed a deal worth a reported A$150 million (£74m) to join LIV, added he was "happy and proud" of his position.
DeChambeau's Contract Talks and Social Media Tease
Questions had swirled around Bryson DeChambeau, with some speculating he might use the PGA Tour offer as leverage in new contract talks with LIV. The 2024 US Open champion is currently negotiating an extension with the Saudi-backed league, with his existing deal running until the end of 2026.
On Tuesday, he appeared to joke with fans on Instagram, posting a photo next to an 'exit' sign and asking followers "What would you do?" However, he later reaffirmed his commitment. "I'm contracted through 2026, so I'm excited about this year," DeChambeau said at a captain's press conference. Reports suggest his substantial contract demands are expected to be met by LIV.
Jon Rahm, the 2023 Masters champion, similarly ended any doubt about his future, simply stating he "wasn't going anywhere."
Woods Justifies Koepka's Return Pathway
The situation arose after Brooks Koepka's return to the PGA Tour was confirmed. Tiger Woods, a player director on the Tour's Policy Board, defended the decision on Tuesday night, emphasising that Koepka would not be "taking a spot away from any other player."
Woods revealed the board worked through the holidays after receiving Koepka's application letter on December 23. "This plan was created for a very select few players that met the criteria," Woods explained, noting the integration had to justify the player's time away and include appropriate penalties.
Koepka's return comes with heavy conditions:
- Forfeiting A$7.5m (£3.72m) to a charity.
- Ineligibility for FedEx Cup bonuses in 2026.
- No access to signature events via sponsor exemptions.
- No equity grants for five years.
Rolapp estimated the total financial impact could be between A$75m (£37m) and A$127m (£63m).
Smith Laments Koepka's Departure
While committed to LIV, Cameron Smith expressed sadness at seeing Koepka leave the breakaway tour. "Is it a shame to have him go? Absolutely," Smith said. "He's a star of the game. On one side, I'm sad to see him go; he's a good friend... On the other side, I'm really looking forward to what we're doing out here."
Koepka himself acknowledged he has "a lot of work to do" to rebuild relationships with some PGA Tour members, but said he was "extremely thankful" for the opportunity to return. He is set to play at the Farmers Insurance Open starting January 29.
With the February 2 deadline looming and three of LIV's marquee names now ruled out, the focus shifts entirely to the ongoing negotiations between the rival tours, with a full unification appearing as distant as ever.
