Bryson DeChambeau’s triple bogey defies Masters expectations
Bryson DeChambeau’s triple bogey on the 11th hole resulted in a 76, greatly jeopardizing his chances of qualifying for the Masters.
Masters/Courtesy of Augusta National
Two-time major champion Bryson DeChambeau is exploring options other than LIV Golf on the circuit as he faces an uncertain future.
DeChambeau remains one of golf’s biggest stars, and the value he brings to the LIV Tour cannot be underestimated. His social media following, including a YouTube channel that attracts millions of viewers, has been a big boon for LIV Golf in recent years. However, reports say DeChambeau has already started looking elsewhere as the circuit faces questions about its future.
DeChambeau’s return bid is skyrocketing as he is playing in the final year of his contract with LIV. In addition, the PGA is also considering options for supporting the return of former LIV golfers.
Is DeChambeau really looking elsewhere than LIV?
That’s right, according to a reporter for The Athletic. The report indicates that DeChambeau and his team actually spent a significant portion of the Masters weekend “meeting with the organization to discuss possible options should he choose to leave LIV.”
And DeChambeau seems completely attached to that decision. The offer to re-sign with LIV Golf has reportedly increased to $500 million. That said, DeChambeau played in LIV’s most recent tournament in Mexico City this past weekend, where fans spotted DeChambeau smiling alongside LIV CEO Scott O’Neal on the first fairway, so perhaps his departure is an exaggeration.
Either way, DeChambeau and LIV’s futures are definitely in limbo. The Saudi Public Investment Fund has supported LIV Golf’s inflows for years, but it did not mention the company in its April 14 news release announcing its 2026-2030 strategic vision.
What happens if DeChambeau tries to return to the PGA Tour?
If DeChambeau returns, there are multiple paths forward. Just this year, former LIV golfers Brooks Koepka and Patrick Reed took different approaches to their comebacks.
Koepka accelerated the final year of his contract with LIV to apply to return to the PGA Tour. This led to the PGA creating a Returning Membership Program, which prevented Koepka from receiving equity from the Player Equity Program for the next five years (2026-2030).
Meanwhile, Reed last played in a LIV Golf tournament on August 24 of last year, and will be eligible to re-enter the PGA Tour as a non-member as early as August 25, 2026. Additionally, Reed’s participation in any event on the DP World Tour does not improve his standing on the PGA Tour.
PGA CEO Brian Rolup talked about potential avenues for player return beyond what we’ve seen with Koepka and Reed. Additionally, Rolup told The Athletic that the Returning Member Program that helped Koepka return was a one-time deal with a three-week grace period before making a decision. No other golfer jumped at the opportunity.
That means even if DeChambeau decides he wants to return to the PGA, he’s unlikely to follow in the footsteps of Koepka and Reed.
