Bryson DeChambeau questions health of PGA Tour but would ‘love to play tournaments that want me’

May 6, 2026 - 14:00

Bryson DeChambeau is contemplating his next move as uncertainty continues to surround LIV Golf.

The future of the breakaway league was plunged into doubt when Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) announced it will withdraw its multi-billion dollar backing at the end of 2026 season.

Bryson DeChambeau of Crushers GC plays his shot from the 4th tee during day one of LIV Golf Mexico City at Club de Golf Chapultepec on April 16, 2026 — DeChambeau has plans beyond a PGA Tour return if LIV Golf collapses

DeChambeau, one of the biggest stars on the LIV circuit, has been linked with a return to the PGA Tour in recent weeks amid all the noise.

But speaking Tuesday, the American admitted his focus could instead be on an entirely different project, and just playing the tournaments that ‘want’ him moving forward.

Bryson DeChambeau speaks up on PGA Tour return rumors

“I think, from my perspective, I’d love to grow my YouTube channel three ⁠times, maybe even more,” DeChambeau said, during practice ahead of this week’s LIV Golf Virginia at Trump National Golf Club in Washington, DC.

“I would love to. I’d love to do a bunch of dubbing in different languages, giving the world more reason to watch YouTube.

“And then I’d love to play tournaments that want me.”

As it stands, DeChambeau’s YouTube channel boasts 2.7 million followers, and he has posted videos collaborating with the likes of Stephen Curry, Adam Sandler and Carlos Alcaraz in recent months.

DeChambeau joined LIV Golf in June 2022, and was one of 11 golfers who sued the PGA later that year.

The federal lawsuit, which he then withdrew from in May 2023, alleged that the North American tour unfairly suspended players who joined the Saudi breakaway.

On Tuesday, DeChambeau hinted that that the PGA Tour might subject him ‌to ⁠penalties if he expressed interest in returning.

“It’s quite unfortunate in my opinion, considering what I could do for them,” he said of potential punishment.

Bryson DeChambeau of Crushers GC plays his shot from the 3rd tee during day one of LIV Golf Mexico City at Club de Golf Chapultepec on April 16, 2026 — DeChambeau admitted any penalties for rejoining the PGA would be ‘unfortunate’

“The egos need to get dropped.

“Everybody needs to come in with a level-headed playing field, with an opportunistic mindset to grow the game of golf.

“That’s why I came over here. That’s why I do what I do on YouTube.”

LIV Golf storm a ‘shock’ to Bryson DeChambeau

The two-time Major champion also admitted the announcement from Saudi Arabia on pulling LIV funding came as a big surprise, considering he was led to believe the league would be financed for many more years.

“I was completely shocked,” DeChambeau explained.

“I didn’t expect it to happen. A couple months before that, it’s like: ‘We’re here until 2032. We’ve got financing until 2032,’ and so I told everybody, and that’s what I was told.

Bryson DeChambeau of Crushers GC reacts from second green during day one of LIV Golf Mexico City at Club de Golf Chapultepec on April 16, 2026 — The announcement on LIV Golf funding came as a big shock to DeChambeau

“And then, you know, I haven’t had any communication. And unfortunately, things are moving on in a different direction.

“Obviously, they wanted to move on.”

DeChambeau added that the outlook for the North American circuit might not be rosy either.

“Look, the PGA Tour isn’t doing great either,” he suggested.

Bryson DeChambeau of the United States laughs on the second hole during the Par Three Contest prior to the 2026 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 08, 2026 — DeChambeau suggested the PGA might not be in a healthy position this year

“Let’s be honest about the situation. They’ve got the media. They’ve got everybody on the side that helps pump it up.

“But they’re reducing field sizes, cutting employees, and restructuring their business too.”

DeChambeau’s contract with the breakaway is up at the end of the 2026 season, and while he was said to be negotiating an eye-watering $500 million extension, it now appears unlikely LIV will be able to meet his demands.

But while many believe the next logical step for such a marquee player is a return to the PGA Tour, the man himself seems content to grow his status as a social media megastar instead.

Thanks to his 2023 US Open win, DeChambeau has an exemption there until 2033.

He also has guaranteed entries to The Masters, The Open Championship and The PGA Championship until 2028.

If he wishes, DeChambeau could probably concentrate on those majors for a couple years, and should he have the appetite, negotiate a return to the PGA Tour further down the line.

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