Jon Rahm (2023 Masters), Bryson DeChambeau (2024 US Open) and Cam Smith (2022 Open Championship) stand as recent major championship victors.
Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau, and Cam Smith have each affirmed their commitment to LIV Golf, signaling their intent to remain with the league rather than rejoin the PGA Tour.
Brooks Koepka, a five-time major winner, was recently reinstated on the American circuit after his departure from the Saudi Arabian-backed series, citing a prioritization of “the needs of his family.”
The PGA subsequently extended an invitation to fellow major champions Rahm, DeChambeau, and Smith, offering them a pathway similar to Koepka’s under a newly established returning member program, set to expire on February 2.
However, the aforementioned trio has since dispelled any prospect of a return during a press conference held for LIV Golf team captains.
Rahm, 31, conveyed his well wishes to Brooks, stating he was “not planning to go anywhere.”
“As far as I’m concerned, I’m focused on LIV for this year and hoping my team can repeat as champs,” the Spanish golfer affirmed.
DeChambeau, an American player, indicated he is “contracted through 2026” and expressed his enthusiasm for the upcoming year. Smith, the 32-year-old Australian, added that he had “made a decision” and will “be on LIV for years to come.”
Eligibility for return under the PGA initiative was restricted to players who had been absent from the PGA Tour for a minimum of two years and had secured a victory at The Players Championship or a major championship between 2022 and 2025.
PGA Tour chief executive Brian Rolapp clarified that this program would be available only for the 2026 campaign, implemented “in response to a unique set of circumstances.”
“This is a one-time, defined window and does not set a precedent for future situations,” Rolapp stated in an open letter.
“Once the door closes, there is no promise that this path will be available again.”