In a recent preseason press conference held in Palm Beach, Florida, LIV Golf League captains Bryson DeChambeau, Cameron Smith, and Jon Rahm made it clear that they are not planning on rejoining the PGA Tour. As discussions surrounding player movement continue to swirl, these high-profile golfers reaffirmed their commitment to the Saudi Arabian-financed circuit.
"I had no idea, no idea that that would happen," said DeChambeau, referencing Brooks Koepka’s return to the PGA Tour. Having entered the final year of his contract with LIV Golf, he stated, "Right now, I've got a contract. I'm looking forward to seeing what we can do at LIV Golf this year."
Rahm, who made headlines by joining LIV Golf in December 2023, also expressed his loyalty to the league. "I'm not planning on going anywhere," he said. "[A] 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."
The trio's statements come as the LIV golfers are eligible for a potential return to the PGA Tour through a newly introduced Returning Member Program. To qualify, they need to have been away for at least two years and have secured either a Players Championship or one of the four majors (Masters, PGA Championship, U.S. Open, or Open Championship) since 2022.
DeChambeau’s recent win at the 2024 U.S. Open, Rahm’s victory at the 2023 Masters, and Smith’s accolades from the previous season position them as eligible candidates. However, potential returns would come with significant financial penalties and strict conditions.
"I made a decision to come out here and spend more time at home, and I'm not giving that away," Smith noted. "I'll be on LIV for years to come."
The deadline for eligible LIV golfers to decide on a return is set for February 2. Rahm added, "The criteria itself would obviously be enough for us to know who it is. But yeah, I wasn't surprised at all. There's been quite a few rumors I've heard about for a while. Not really surprised at all by the news yesterday."
PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp described the pathway back as a "one-time, defined window" and warned that this opportunity may not present itself again. In a memo to PGA Tour members, he stated, "Once the door closes, there is no promise that this path will be available again."
The LIV Golf League is set to begin its season from February 4-7 at the Riyadh Golf Club in Saudi Arabia, and the dynamics of player commitments have taken on added significance following Koepka's recent shift back to the PGA Tour. Koepka faced substantial consequences, including a $5 million charitable contribution and forfeiting player equity shares for five years—all while losing out on money from the lucrative $100 million FedEx Cup bonus program in 2026.
"I think we're all friends," said Phil Mickelson, LIV Golf captain. "I consider Brooks a friend, and whatever he thinks is best for [him] and his family, I fully support." Mickelson, notable for helping recruit golfers to LIV Golf, is himself ineligible for the Returning Member Program.
Reflecting on his experience, Mickelson stated, "I'm having so much fun out here. I love playing out here on LIV. I love being with the guys."
The ongoing commitment from DeChambeau, Rahm, and Smith suggests that the LIV Golf League will continue to draw significant player interest and fan engagement as the league's new season approaches, amid a changing landscape in professional golf.