Bryson DeChambeau's LIV Golf Future Thrown into Doubt by Shocking Format Change!
Even though Bryson DeChambeau has publicly committed to LIV Golf through 2026, his long-term involvement with the Saudi-backed golf league is suddenly very uncertain. A surprising shift in LIV Golf's strategy might be the catalyst for him to explore other avenues.
LIV Golf, a league famously named after the Roman numeral for 54 (representing its signature three-round, 54-hole format), is set to implement a significant change for the 2026 season. They are transitioning to a more conventional four-round, 72-hole structure, a move that deviates from the very foundation the league was built upon.
DeChambeau recently shared his candid thoughts with Today's Golfer, stating, "It’s definitely changed away from what we had initially been told it was going to be. So there is some movement that we’ve all been, I would say, interested in, and going, ‘Why that movement?’ Because we were told it was going to be this. So that’s definitely made us have some different thoughts about it."
He elaborated, "I’ve got a contract for this year, and we’ll go through it there and see what happens after that. Look, it’s 72 holes, it’s changed, but we’re still excited to play professionally and play for what we’re doing and go across the world. I think it’s going to be great for our [Crushers GC] team. Is it what we ultimately signed up for? No. So I think we’re supposed to be different, so I’m a little indifferent to it right now.
Hopefully, it weighs positively on me over the course of time, but you never know. I’m not sure. We didn’t sign up to play for 72."
But here's where it gets controversial... This departure from the league's original identity raises questions about the promises made to its players. Is LIV Golf evolving, or is it fundamentally altering the deal that attracted its talent?
This development comes amidst a wave of player movement. Brooks Koepka, who initially left the PGA Tour for LIV in 2022, recently made a return to the PGA Tour through their new Returning Member Program. This program offered a limited window for high-achieving golfers to rejoin, which closed on Monday. Koepka participated in the Farmers Insurance Open this past weekend, finishing tied for 56th.
Similarly, Patrick Reed is also reportedly leaving LIV for a PGA Tour comeback. While he didn't qualify for the Returning Member Program due to not winning a major or the Players Championship between 2022-2025, he is eligible to play on the Tour starting August 25th, exactly one year after his last LIV appearance.
And this is the part most people miss... DeChambeau himself has previously hinted at a potential shift in focus, even floating the idea of dedicating his time primarily to his highly successful YouTube channel, which boasts 2.58 million subscribers, and participating only in major championships. He described this as "an incredibly viable option."
Considering these shifts, what do you think about LIV Golf's decision to move to a 72-hole format? Does this change your perception of the league's long-term viability? Share your thoughts in the comments below – do you agree with DeChambeau's "indifference," or do you see this as a positive step for the league?
