Bryson DeChambeau, Jon Rahm, and Cameron Smith have all confirmed they will stay committed to LIV Golf despite the introduction of the Returning Member Program by the PGA TOUR.
Five-time major winner Brooks Koepka, who was playing on the Saudi-backed circuit between June 2022 and August 2025, winning on five occasions, will make a return to the PGA TOUR this month through a new limited-time Returning Member Program after quitting LIV Golf in December to prioritize spending more time with his family.
The American will experience a number of sanctions including not be able to receive financial gain from the FedExCup bonus pool throughout 2026 and not be able to take part in the Player Equity Program between 2026-2030 which will see him miss out of an estimated $50m-$85m.
The new initiative also created a pathway for Bryson DeChambeau, Jon Rahm, and Cameron Smith to switch back to the U.S. circuit before the February 2 reinstatement deadline thanks to their eligibility. However, the trio have indicated they will remain with LIV Golf.
“I’m contracted through 2026, so excited about this year,” said DeChambeau, who left the PGA TOUR for LIV Golf in 2022.
Rahm, who joined the circuit in December 2023, said: “I’m not planning on going anywhere, so very similar answer to what Bryson gave.
“I wish Brooks the best, and as far as I’m concerned, I’m focused on LIV for this year and hoping my team can repeat as champs.”
While Smith stated that he intends to remain with LIV Golf for “years to come.”
“I really don’t have any thoughts. I haven’t had a lot of time to think about it. But I know I’m here to stay. I’m here to support LIV,” Smith said. “I’m a captain of a great team and a great group of people. I’m happy where I am. I’m proud of where I am. I think we do many great things, particularly in Australia, and I can’t wait for this league to keep growing.”
In an open letter, PGA TOUR CEO Brian Rolapp said the program would be “a one-time, defined window” and “once the door closes, there is no promise that this path will be available again.”