The pressure on LIV Golf to keep Bryson DeChambeau ramped up following the confirmation that Brooks Koepka has left the league ahead of the 2026 season.
It was always going to be intriguing to see how LIV Golf would respond to losing one of their superstar names. It is now imperative that Brooks Koepka does not become the first of many to leave over the coming years.
Is this the end of LIV Golf?
And no single player appears to be more important to LIV’s future than Bryson DeChambeau.
Bryson DeChambeau’s contract situation with LIV Golf is now in the spotlight
Like Koepka, the two-time US Open champion’s contract expires at the end of next year. DeChambeau has previously expressed his excitement about LIV’s future.
However, following news of Koepka’s future, DeChambeau offered fewer assurances.
The question is whether the 32-year-old’s comments are an indication that he is seriously considering his future with LIV or an awareness that he finds himself in an incredibly strong position.
DeChambeau undoubtedly holds most of the cards.
And it does indeed seem that the Crushers captain is making the most of his leverage. According to a report from The Times, insiders believe that DeChambeau is happy to stay on LIV as long as he is suitably rewarded.
Why DeChambeau would be right to stay with LIV rather than return to the PGA Tour
It is a boost for LIV that DeChambeau has not got his heart set on a PGA Tour return. He is one of the most popular players on the planet, so losing him would be a huge blow.
There are plenty of very valid reasons to criticise LIV. But DeChambeau would arguably be making the right decision if he signs a new contract with the league.
DeChambeau has been LIV’s biggest success story. He has finished inside the top 10 in six of the last eight majors, including winning at the US Open.
Do you think LIV would survive if Bryson DeChambeau returned to the PGA Tour?
He is now, following Koepka’s exit, the only player in the league to have won a major since joining LIV.
The LIV format appears to suit DeChambeau. He has time to pursue his interest in YouTube. And there is no question that he is a superstar on LIV.
He would be competitive back on the PGA Tour. However, it is entirely possible that he will stand out a lot less when playing against Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy more regularly.
DeChambeau definitely has a lot of the power in contract talks. But LIV will know that the league has provided the platform to make him a superstar.
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