Bryson DeChambeau and Brooks Koepka both signed deals until 2026 (Image: David Becker/Getty Images)
Since its launch, LIV Golf has lured numerous big names away from the PGA Tour, yet it faces the potential of losing them next year. The lucrative golf league, which began in October 2021 and held its first Invitational Series event in June 2022, shocked fans as several top PGA players defected for hefty paychecks.
, , and Sergio Garcia reportedly signed four-year deals in 2022, diverting attention from the prestigious to the new Saudi-funded league. However, with their contracts now set to expire next year, there’s speculation on whether they will remain with or seek a fresh start elsewhere.
It has been claimed that salaries in the new LIV contracts could be reduced due to the Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund’s intention to cut global spending by up to 12 per cent. In contrast, the PGA Tour has upped the ante with huge prize pools at flagship events and increased sponsorships driven by a growing audience. Express Sport examines what it could mean for LIV if DeChambeau, Koepka, and Garcia rejoined the PGA.
DeChambeau, Koepka and Garcia leave
If DeChambeau, Koepka, and Garcia decide to leave LIV Golf, the playing standard would certainly suffer. Following his US Open triumph last year, DeChambeau is the only LIV golfer currently ranked in the world’s top 10.
The 31-year-old reportedly signed a four-year deal worth £102million in June 2022. However, with his pay potentially being reduced, he might be tempted to rejoin the PGA Tour. While LIV could still succeed without DeChambeau – Jon Rahm is contracted until 2028 – his departure would be a significant blow. Likewise, if Koepka and Garcia followed suit, it could significantly impact LIV’s viewership.
With talents like Rory McIlroy, Tiger Woods, Scottie Scheffler, and Xander Schauffele on the PGA, the addition of DeChambeau, Koepka, and Garcia would undoubtedly heighten the competition.
Brooks Koepka has one year left on his LIV contract (Image: Getty Images)
Team restructure
In the event these players choose to leave LIV for the PGA Tour, it would necessitate major team restructuring. As the trio are all team captains, LIV would need to find replacements and new leaders for their franchises.
DeChambeau, Garcia, and Koepka currently lead the Crushers, Fireballs, and Smash, respectively. If they were to step down, a significant reshuffle would be required to maintain each team’s competitive edge—a potential headache for players and LIV executives.
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Team USA won The Presidents Cup in 2024 (Image: Getty Images)
The Presidents and Ryder Cups boosted
The Presidents Cup and Ryder Cups would gain a significant boost if the three stars left LIV Golf. As the PGA sanctions the Presidents Cup, the most recent event saw several LIV stars banned. However, if DeChambeau and Koepka re-sign with the PGA Tour, they would once again be eligible to participate, thereby improving the competition
The PGA of America has already stated that LIV stars will be eligible for the 2025 Ryder Cup, but the situation is more complicated for Team Europe. European players must participate in four DP World Tour events each season to retain their Tour membership and eligibility for the squad.
Given the 14-event LIV schedule, this is challenging for LIV players, while majors do not count towards the DP World Tour totals. However, if European stars leave LIV Golf, it would alleviate the pressure of fitting DP events into their calendars, making it easier for Europe to select the best possible players.