It’s official ….
Bryson DeChambeau, Jon Rahm and Cam Smith have confirmed they’re going nowhere, each committing to remain with LIV Golf after Brooks Koepka announced his LIV Golf departure following four seasons with the Saudi-backed circuit.
The PGA Tour (PGAT) offered a previously unheard of ‘Player Returning Program’ on the back of Brooks Koepka quitting LIV Golf and wishing to return to the Tour where he had last competed in March 2022.
The five-time major winning Koepka accepted the PGAT ‘carrot’ but under the strictest of strict returning conditions.
The PGAT indicated, in lauching the program, stated also it would remain open to February 2nd and clearly seeking to entice the likes of DeChambeau, Rahm and Smith to follow Koepka back into the ranks of the Tour.
CONFIRMATION THEY’RE GOING NOWHERE …
With @livgolf_league stars – Rahm, DeChambeau & Smith – declaring they’re remaining with #LIVGolf & clearly not interested in any @PGATour ‘Player Returning Program’
Read: https://t.co/p28qmDDgTD
LIV/Getty
✅ @TOURMISS (Bernie ) pic.twitter.com/ayAls7vvpn
— Fatiha (@TOURMISS) January 13, 2026
Newly-appointed PGA Tour Commissoner Brian Rolapp even went as far to advise that post February 2nd “there will be no promise this path will be available again”.
However the trio are in unison they will remain loyal to LIV, as confirmed at a captain’s press conference at LIV’s preseason Teams Week taking place in Florida.
“I’m contracted through 2026, so excited about this year,” said DeChambeau.
Rahm said: “I’m not planning on going anywhere, so very similar answer to what Bryson gave.
“I wish Brooks the best, and as far as I’m concerned, I’m focused on LIV for this year and hoping my team can repeat as champs.”
For Smith, and winner at the 2024 Open at St. Andrews, there was no doubt when asked if he will be staying with LIV: “Absolutely. You’ll see me in Adelaide.
“It was the easiest decision of my life.
“It wasn’t really a hard one for me, to be honest. I made a decision to come out here (to LIV Golf) and spend more time at home and I’m not giving that away so I’ll be on LIV for years to come.
“I’m really excited for 2026. I think our team is going to have one of the best years yet and I can’t wait to see what we’re going to do on the golf course.”
So, the trio are not returning to the PGAT and LIV Golf is not about to collapse and go away.
Let’s now get back to focussing on the new season ahead.
