Bryson DeChambeau, Jon Rahm and Cam Smith each said they intend to remain with LIV Golf for the 2026 season.
Their comments at a season preview press conference in West Palm Beach, Fla., on Tuesday came a day after the PGA Tour announced that Brooks Koepka had been reinstated following his departure from LIV last month. In announcing Koepka's return, the PGA Tour laid out criteria that left the door open for the other three to also return under the new Returning Members Program.
However, each confirmed
that they will not be following Koepka back to the PGA Tour. At least not this year.
"I'm not planning on going anywhere," Rahm said. "I wish Brooks the best and as far as I'm concerned, I'm focused on my team and the league this year, and hopefully we can repeat as champions."
A two-time major winner and former No. 1-ranked player in the world, the 31-year-old Rahm won the individual LIV championship last year while his Legion XIII squad won the team title. Having joined LIV in 2023, Rahm's contract reportedly runs beyond 2026.
There had been more speculation around the potential return of DeChambeau, who has acknowledged ongoing discussions with LIV Golf with his first contract set to expire at the end of 2026. He told Flushing It Golf recently that he is still mulling his future but that "both parties have a good understanding of one another."
That was before the PGA Tour announced the reinstatement program, which it called a "one-time, defined window" that is open through Feb. 2. It took DeChambeau only a day to confirm he will not take advantage of that offer.
"I had no idea that would happen," he said Tuesday of the PGA Tour's reinstatement program. "No idea what the penalties would even be. Right now I've got a contract. Looking forward to seeing what we can do with LIV Golf this year."
Smith was far more emphatic with his intent to stay with the rival league, with the Ripper GC confirming his long-term commitment to growing LIV. His contract also reportedly runs beyond 2026.
"I am here to stay, I am here to support LIV. I am captain of a great team and a great group of people," Smith said. "I am happy where I am, proud of where I am. I can't wait for this league to keep growing."
The 2026 LIV Golf season begins with an event in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia Feb. 4-7.
--Field Level Media
