Bryson DeChambeau, Jon Rahm and Cam Smith have dedicated to LIV Golf after Brooks Koepka introduced his LIV Golf departure after 4 seasons with the Saudi-backed circuit.
The Tour provided a “one-time, defined window” for fellow large names DeChambeau, Rahm and Smith to reapply for membership in what seems to be an influence play towards LIV.
DeChambeau, Rahm and Smith have a deadline of February 2 to use for reinstatement in the event that they wish to function this season, with “no promise this path will be available again”, in response to PGA Tour chief govt Brian Rolapp in an open letter.
“I’m contracted through 2026, so excited about this year,” stated DeChambeau.
Rahm stated: “I am not planning on going wherever, so very related reply 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.”
Australian star Smith, the lowest-profile of the three, stated he can be staying with LIV 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,” stated the previous Open champion. “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.”
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Sky Sports activities’ Jamie Weir discusses why Brooks Koepka has been allowed to return to the PGA Tour after leaving LIV Golf below the brand new Returning Member Program
Koepka, 35, dropped a bombshell final month by quitting LIV Golf with a 12 months of his contract remaining, stating he needed to spend extra time along with his household.
The five-time main champion utilized for his PGA Tour membership to be reinstated, and his availability and excessive profile successfully triggered officers to rewrite their very own guidelines.
They’ve instigated a Returning Member Programme, which has been particularly designed for Koepka and his former LIV colleagues, because it applies to gamers who’ve gained any of the 4 majors or the Gamers Championship between 2022 and 2025.
Phil Mickelson responded to the factors of the Returning Participant Program [and his ineligibility to benefit from it] by saying: “We’re all friends here. I consider Brooks a friend and whatever he thinks is best for him and his family I fully support.”
The six-time main champion added: “I’m having so much fun out here. I love playing out here on LIV. I love being with the guys… I could not be happier out here.”
Rahm (left) and DeChambeau appeared stunned being named on the newly-written returning pathway
Reflecting on the newly-written returning pathway, Rahm stated: “I had heard rumours for quite a few weeks, some of them going back to last year already. It wasn’t a surprise whatsoever. I haven’t seen much. Obviously I’m aware of what’s going on.”
On being named together with DeChambeau and Smith, the Spaniard added: “Well, I wasn’t aware of that. But the criteria itself would obviously be enough for us to know who it is. I wasn’t surprised at all. There’s been quite a few rumours I’ve heard about for a while. Not really surprised at all by the news.”
“I had no idea, no idea that that would happen,” stated DeChambeau, who had earlier put a cheeky submit on Instagram of him shrugging his shoulders standing subsequent to an ‘exit’ signal asking the query ‘What would you do?’.
“No idea what the penalties would even be. Right now, I’ve got a contract. I’m looking forward to seeing what we can do at LIV Golf this year.”
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