There’s no more guesswork or delay now. The PGA Tour has drawn a line in the sand in its ongoing battle with LIV Golf.

The Tour found an opening to press its advantage when Brooks Koepka left the Saudi-backed league, and CEO Brian Rolapp moved quickly to take it.

Koepka will be back on the PGA Tour in 2026, but not without restrictions. He’s agreed to a $ 5 million donation to charity, won’t be eligible for FedEx Cup bonuses that year, and won’t have access to sponsors’ exemptions in $ 20 million signature events for five years.

That same deal is available to certain LIV players: anyone who has won a major or The Players Championship since the start of 2022. Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau, and Cameron Smith fall into that category, and they have until February 2nd to decide.

What Bryson DeChambeau’s next move means for LIV Golf

Bryson DeChambeau has quickly become the face of LIV, but his contract is up at the end of 2026. Many expected an extension to be in place by now, but recent reports suggest that’s not likely to happen soon.

Writing for Golf Digest, Joel Beall added: “DeChambeau is the wild card. Whispers suggest he wants out when his LIV contract expires this year. His asking price is steep, and he’s demanding more control over LIV’s direction.

“Tour officials recognize their exemption could serve as leverage in his negotiations. Still, it’s a chance to reclaim LIV’s two best players and block them from landing elsewhere, like the DP World Tour.”

So while DeChambeau isn’t leaving just yet, he won’t be meeting the PGA Tour’s deadline either. Expect both him and Jon Rahm to remain with LIV at least through next season.

The report also points out that bringing back Koepka and setting this deadline may have given DeChambeau significant leverage over LIV—potentially costing them a huge amount of money.

LIV needs DeChambeau, and everyone knows it. The two-time major winner has even floated the possibility of leaving for YouTube during these negotiations, where he already has a large following.

With the clock ticking down to February 2nd, all signs point to some hard negotiating ahead between DeChambeau and LIV Golf.

How Bryson DeChambeau might still find his way back to the PGA Tour

In a letter following Koepka’s return, Rolapp wrote, “This is a one-time, defined window and is not a precedent for future situations.”

That statement made it clear that the offer extended to Koepka wouldn’t be available beyond the February 2 deadline. However, it still leaves room for future conversations with players like DeChambeau.

The PGA Tour has essentially said this deal won’t be repeated right now. Anyone looking to take advantage of it needs to act soon. But that doesn’t rule out different terms being negotiated down the line.

DeChambeau could simply wait until his LIV contract runs out and then look to discuss his return ahead of 2027. Given his profile in the sport, there’s every reason to believe Rolapp would be open to bringing him back.

Of course, there’s risk involved in waiting. If DeChambeau’s form dips or if LIV continues its decline, he might find his value reduced by the time those talks happen—especially if the PGA Tour continues smoothly without him.

If DeChambeau backs himself and maintains strong performances, he might even secure better terms than Koepka did by holding off for another year.