Bryson DeChambeau issues LIV Golf with 12-month warning after PGA Tour bombshell

The double US Open champion is in a strong position to negotiate a new contract for 2027 following the return of Brooks Koepka to the PGA Tour

View 3 Images

Bryson DeChambeau has one year left on his LIV Golf contract(Image: Getty Images)

Bryson DeChambeau has committed to playing the final year of his LIV Golf contract this season. But the double Major champion, who is in a strong negotiating position following the departure of Brooks Koepka, added: “I have no idea what’s going to happen in a year.”

And LIV Golf will need to offer him mega-money to keep their biggest star on the breakaway league in 2027. Koepka has been allowed to return immediately to the PGA Tour this month without any ban under the new Returning Member Program who have won Majors since 2022.

DeChambeau, Jon Rahm and Cam Smith are also eligible to return but have been given a February 2 deadline by the PGA Tour. The LIV Golf League season starts in Saudi Arabia on February 4. The American, who has a huge following on social media, could seek up to $500m to re-sign a new deal.

Speaking at the captain’s press conference at the LIV Media day in Florida, DeChambeau gave a far-from totally committed answer when asked about Koepka’s departure and his future.

“I had no idea, no idea that that would happen,” said the 2024 US Open winner. “No idea what the penalties would even be. I mean, look, I’m contracted through 2026, so I’m excited about this year.”

View 3 Images

Brooks Koepka’s return to the PGA Tour has left Bryson DeChambeau in a strong negotiating position for his next contract(Image: Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images for The Showdown)

Speaking to Today’s Golfer, the double US Open champion added: “I have no idea what’s going to happen in a year but what I can tell you is that we’ll do everything possible to make it make sense for both sides.

“I’ve got a contract this year and that’s just going to be an ever-evolving conversation. Hopefully, I’m back next year. I’m excited for the potential of LIV.

“It just has to make sense for both sides, and we’ll move forward in a cool direction if that’s the case. I certainly don’t want to let [teammates] down.”

Koepka has made a $5m donation to charity – effectively a fine – while the PGA Tour claim he is set to lose up to $85m from being excluded from the Player Equity Program for the next five years.

“I was surprised,” DeChambeau added. “I didn’t know he’d be willing to give that much back. That’s everybody’s prerogative. Everybody has their own wants and needs. Ultimately, for me, I see a tremendous value in Charles [Howell], Paul [Casey], and [Lahiri], and what we’re doing across the globe. I’m excited.

“Even though things can always be better, they can always be worse, too. So we’re very lucky to be here. We’re very fortunate to have these opportunities to play golf at this level around the world. Time will tell. I can’t future-predict anything. It’s really dependent on other people’s decisions at this point.

“Whether I’m here or not next year, I’m excited for this year, playing and competing with some of the best players in the world, competing in the majors, and then giving it my all every single week I tee it up, no matter where I’m at.”

View 3 Images

Jon Rahm has committed to LIV Golf before the new season(Image: Getty Images)

Rahm was the last big-name LIV signing in December 2023 and is understood to have two years left on his contract – and big penalties for leaving earlier.

The Spaniard, who won the 2023 Masters, said: I’m not planning on going anywhere. Very similar answer to what Bryson gave. I wish Brooks the best. As far as I’m concerned, I’m focused on the league and my team this year, and hopefully we can repeat as champions again.”

Aussie Smith, who won the 2022 Open, said: “I made a decision to come out here and spend more time at home, and I’m not giving that away,” Smith told reporters.

“I’ll be on LIV for years to come.”