As men’s pro golf slowly creeps toward reunification, rumors continue to swirl about the future of several LIV players who could be looking to jump ship from the breakaway league.
Masters champion Fred Couples said he believes Brooks Koepka is looking to return to the PGA Tour, which led to a jab from Phil Mickelson.
Bryson DeChambeau has also been the source of internet speculation, with recent rumors suggesting that he is looking to return to the PGA Tour after his contract expires — reportedly in 2026 — and that he turned down a proposal for a new contract.
The two-time U.S. Open champion was asked about these rumors on Wednesday ahead of LIV Hong Kong. The captain of Crushers GC claims he’s not going anywhere.
“No, I’m very excited about the future of LIV Golf,” DeChambeau said. “I’m very excited to be the captain of the Crushers and continue our legacy that we’re starting to create. That’s my goal, to create this lasting legacy where we impact millions and millions of golfers’ lives around the world. That should tell you everything you should know.”
Partnership talks between the PGA Tour and the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund are ongoing, but many hurdles remain before they can complete the deal and unify the game.
One of the most obvious sticking points is the PGA Tour’s desire to have all the best players play on one tour under their umbrella. LIV Golf, meanwhile, has been adamant that it plans to stick around and continue operating even if there is a deal.
DeChambeau was asked where he sees LIV Golf “in six years.” His answer spoke volumes about the divide between the two parties.
“I continue to see LIV Golf growing,” DeChambeau said. “It’s going to grow at an exponentiating pace for years to come, and we aren’t going anywhere.”
As for the state of his game, DeChambeau has already been doing important prep work ahead of the year’s first major, including a Jan. 6 practice round at Augusta National.
DeChambeau finished T-6 at the Masters last year and is confident in the state of his game as major season arrives.
“I’m ready. I feel like I’m ready, at least,” DeChambeau said. “I’ve made some switches with the golf ball, and this week, we’re trying it out. It’s been pretty solid so far, so we’ll see how that works.
“But I’m just comfortable. I’m excited is really what it comes down to. However the cards play out, they’ll play out, but I am genuinely excited for this year.”
LIV Golf will play in Hong Kong and then travel to Singapore next week. The circuit will take a few weeks off before returning to play at Trump National Doral in Miami the week for the Masters.
