Bryson DeChambeau, Jon Rahm, Cam Smith decline to leave LIV and rejoin PGA Tour ... for now
In the aftermath of Brooks Koepka's high-profile return to the PGA Tour, the circuit has unveiled a narrowly tailored pathway for specific elite players to follow suit. However, despite the creation of the "Returning Member Program," the other three players eligible appear poised to remain with LIV Golf, potentially leaving Koepka as the sole returnee.
The program, announced by PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp, establishes a one-time window exclusively for players who won a major championship or The Players Championship between 2022 and 2025. This criteria limits eligibility to just four individuals: Koepka, Bryson DeChambeau, Jon Rahm, and Cam Smith. The deadline for a decision is February 2, after which, Rolapp emphasized, "the door closes" with no guarantee of future opportunity.
Speaking at LIV Golf's preseason press event, Rahm and Smith offered definitive statements regarding their commitments.
"I'm not going anywhere," Rahm stated. "Focused on the league and my team this year."
Smith echoed a similar sentiment, affirming his initial decision: "I made a decision to come here, and I stand by it."
DeChambeau presented a more nuanced position. While noting his contractual obligations through 2026 and expressing excitement for the upcoming LIV season, he left room for speculation about 2025. In comments to Today's Golfer, he said, "Whether I’m here or not next year... I’m excited for this year." He further fueled speculation by posting a cryptic image on his Instagram story featuring himself next to an "Exit" sign with the caption, "What would you do?"
The Tour's statement positioned the program as a unique resolution, not a precedent. "This is a one-time, defined window and does not set a precedent for future situations," Rolapp stated.
With the deadline approaching, the program's impact seems confined to Koepka's return. The public comments from Rahm, Smith, and DeChambeau suggest the PGA Tour's specially crafted door may close with only one player having walked through it.
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