With Brooks Koepka leaving LIV Golf in December, all eyes are now on Bryson DeChambeau to see whether he will hand the league a big boost by signing a new contract.
Bryson DeChambeau had already established himself as LIV Golf‘s biggest star. The 32-year-old has shown the way to a lot of his peers with how he has performed in the majors.
Of course, DeChambeau won the 2024 US Open at Pinehurst. He has six top 10s in his last eight major starts.
Losing him would potentially be a fatal blow for LIV Golf. But it was notable that DeChambeau did not commit to signing a new contract following the news that Brooks Koepka had left.
DeChambeau is in a strong position. He will know that LIV Golf cannot afford to lose him – and they have the resources to make him an astronomical offer.
But LIV will know that DeChambeau may have one big reservation about the idea of returning to the PGA Tour in the future.
Bryson DeChambeau may face one big issue if he ever returns to the PGA Tour
Obviously, DeChambeau will have one eye on what happens with Koepka. If he cannot make an immediate return to the PGA Tour, then it is hard to see the Crushers captain following his lead.
However, regardless of Koepka’s fate, DeChambeau faces a notable issue if he ever comes back to the PGA Tour.
Admittedly, DeChambeau was well on his way to becoming one of the most popular players in the game when he decided to leave for LIV Golf in 2022.
His body transformation had a huge impact on a number of his peers. And fans clearly loved watching DeChambeau get the driver out and trying to launch 400 yard drives at Whistling Straits or attempting to reach the par five sixth green at Bay Hill from the tee.
But his popularity has gone to another level since joining LIV. It was remarkable watching DeChambeau run around the 18th hole at Pinehurst allowing fans to touch the US Open trophy after his victory last year.
LIV Golf has helped turn Bryson DeChambeau into one of golf’s most special attractions
One of the reasons for that is he has become one of the best players in the world. He has made the most of playing fewer events each year on LIV.
But LIV are not attracting the audiences that they would have hoped. The PGA Tour have consolidated their position as the number one stage for the world’s top players.
So there is plenty of excitement when DeChambeau plays in the majors. He does not face off against the likes of Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy – in a 72-hole stroke play event – more than four times a year.
The majority of fans are not watching him as much throughout the season. And it is still not clear – when you consider that Joaquin Niemann won five times in 2025 – how significant success on LIV truly is.
Even LIV’s biggest fans will admit that DeChambeau is potentially the biggest fish in an increasingly uninspiring pond. And Koepka has now been removed from the equation.
If DeChambeau returns to the PGA Tour, there is no question that he will still be extremely popular. But there is definitely a chance that he will stand out a lot less when he is regularly competing with the likes of Scheffler, McIlroy, Xander Schauffele, and Tommy Fleetwood.
DeChambeau has thrived as a main character on LIV. There are no guarantees that he would be able to maintain a similar role if he returns to the PGA Tour.
Receive exclusive golf news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
