Bryson DeChambeau not leaving LIV: ‘I haven’t given up’

LOS ANGELES – Bryson DeChambeau has addressed speculation that he could be leaving LIV Golf after this season by pledging: “As long as LIV is here, I would figure out a way for it to make sense.”

The American told Flushing It Golf, in an interview published on April 22, that he is still working on a “potential contract” as he plays out the final season of his original LIV Golf deal.

The circuit is facing questions about its future as rumours circulate that Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund may be preparing to end its immense financial support of the league.

However, LIV Golf chief executive Scott O’Neil said last week that the league would not fold. He later added that LIV Golf is financed through the 2026 season.

DeChambeau, 32, had used his spare time at the Masters earlier in April to discuss a possible return to the PGA Tour, according to a report by The Athletic.

In his interview published on April 22, he said that he is committed to LIV Golf, as long as the league continues in 2027.

“We’re still working on a potential contract,” he said. “I haven’t given up on that and I think there will be a solution. But as of right now, my job is to help make the league work after this year.

“I just feel like I have a responsibility. I’ve put a lot of effort into it. So that’s what I’m going to do – we’re going to make this work.”

Adversity comes with the territory, added the two-time Major winner, as in any new venture.

“There’s a lot of moving parts, like in any business,” he said. “It’s a start-up, right? And so there’s going to be times where we’re squeezed and punched.

“This is one of those moments. But I’m going to do everything in my power to make it work and I really see the value in franchise golf.”

DeChambeau prevailed in a play-off in consecutive weeks in March by winning at LIV Golf Singapore and LIV Golf South Africa. The two-time US Open champion has five individual LIV Golf titles.

When LIV Golf began in 2022, he reportedly signed a US$125 million (S$159.5 million) contract for 4½ years. According to The Daily Telegraph, he had been seeking as much as US$500 million for a new contract.

DeChambeau did have the opportunity to return to the PGA Tour earlier in 2026 through the returning member programme but reportedly declined. That programme was developed as Brooks Koepka departed LIV for his return to the PGA Tour earlier this year.

Also declining the option to return were Jon Rahm and Cameron Smith.

In other golf news, Ryder Cup organisers are defending nearly doubling ticket prices for the 2027 edition in Limerick, Ireland, from the last time Europe hosted the event in 2023.

Daily tickets to Adare Manor Golf Club will be the most expensive in European Ryder Cup history at €499 (S$745). That is a steep increase from the €260 that a daily ticket cost for the 2023 Ryder Cup in Rome.

“We acknowledge it’s an increase from Rome,” Richard Atkinson, the European Tour Group’s chief Ryder Cup officer, told the BBC.

“That was four years ago and a lot has happened in the world since then.

“We’ve tried to make this as accessible as possible to a wide demographic of people. Our practice day tickets will be from €89 and juniors from €20.

“Our prices are proportionate to a global sporting event. This event has grown in stature and profile – it’s one of the biggest sporting events in the world.” REUTERS