With an open offer on the table to return to the PGA Tour, LIV Golf and YouTube star Bryson DeChambeau tells TG’s Ben Parsons where he stands…

Bryson DeChambeau has cast fresh doubt over his long-term future on LIV Golf after the PGA Tour offered the two-time major champion an olive branch for a shock return.

The PGA Tour landed a significant blow in golf’s civil war on Monday when announcing a Returning Member Program, allowing Brooks Koepka to immediately reinstate his membership. 

In a potentially landscape-shifting move, the Tour has created a pathway for players who have won a major championship or The Players since 2022 to return for the 2026 season – albeit with some consequences.

DeChambeau fits that category, along with Jon Rahm and Cameron Smith. The trio have a strict deadline of February 2 – two days before LIV’s season opener in Riyadh – if they want to turn their back on the league and return.

A precedent has now been set by by the PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp for LIV’s biggest stars to return – and DeChambeau has refused to commit to the league beyond the expiration of his contract this year.

“I’ve got a contract this year and that’s just going to be an ever-evolving conversation,” DeChambeau told TG at a LIV Golf preview event ahead of the 2026 season. “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 [my Crushers GC teammates] down. 

Does DeChambeau see himself as a LIV player beyond 2026?

“I have no idea what’s going to happen in a year,” he said, “but what I can tell you is that we’ll do everything possible to make it make sense for both sides.”

In order to return, Koepka will pay a $5 million fine and he will not be allowed to earn any FedEx Cup bonus money or to accept sponsor invites to Signature Events this year. He is also unable to access the equity in the new PGA Tour Enterprises for five years, a move that the Tour estimate will cost the five-time major champion at least $50 million.

“I was surprised,” DeChambeau said of Koepka’s exit. “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 the 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.”

Shortly after DeChambeau spoke to TG, Rahm and Smith weighed in with their views at a captain’s press conference.

“I’m not planning on going anywhere,” Rahm said. “I wish Brooks the best and as far as I’m concerned I’m focussed on my team and the league this year, and hopefully we can repeat as champions.”

Smith added: “I am here to stay, I am here to support LIV. I am captain of a great team and a great group of people.

“I am happy where I am, proud of where I am. I can’t wait for this league to keep growing.”