Bryson DeChambeau undecided on future with LIV Golf after bankruptcy filing
- Bryson DeChambeau is undecided on his future with LIV Golf, vacillating on whether to stay with the circuit for the 2027 season and beyond as the tour undergoes...
- Though DeChambeau has been regarded as one of the league's most visible supporters during its push to launch a LIV 2.0 era, golf insider Alan Shipnuck reported on...
- LIV Golf filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in New Jersey earlier in September.
Bryson DeChambeau is undecided on his future with LIV Golf, vacillating on whether to stay with the circuit for the 2027 season and beyond as the tour undergoes financial restructuring following a Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing in New Jersey.
Uncertainty Surrounds DeChambeau and LIV Golf 2.0
Though DeChambeau has been regarded as one of the league’s most visible supporters during its push to launch a LIV 2.0 era, golf insider Alan Shipnuck reported on the Dan on Golf podcast that the two-time U.S. Open winner has been going back and forth on his commitment. Shipnuck noted that someone close to DeChambeau stated one day that the player was totally in, only to retract the statement the following day. This season marked the final year of DeChambeau’s contract with LIV Golf. The 33-year-old has accumulated five victories on the circuit and captained Crushers GC to the 2023 team championship after leaving the PGA Tour in 2022. However, his indecision comes at a critical juncture for the tour.
Chapter 11 Bankruptcy and Restructuring Demands
LIV Golf filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in New Jersey earlier in September. The filing follows a decision by the Saudi Public Investment Fund, which previously bankrolled the circuit, to withdraw all financial support beyond the 2026 season. To secure restructuring support, the league entered into an agreement with BC Partners Advisors. The deal mandates that at least 50% of players holding financial claims against the league must agree to participate in LIV 2.0 within 35 days of the October 13 bankruptcy filing. That group must account for at least two-thirds of the total dollar amount of player claims.
Player Claims and Broader Roster Questions
Attention has consequently focused on the players holding the four largest unsecured claims against the league: Jon Rahm, Cameron Smith, Dustin Johnson, and DeChambeau. Rahm holds a $7.5 million claim and has remained noncommittal about LIV 2.0 in discussions with reporters. Smith, who holds a $4.8 million claim, told the Sydney Morning Herald that he and his peers need more answers and remain in a bit of limbo. Shipnuck projected that Cameron Smith is the only major star from that top tier who is definitively committed to staying, barring sweetened deals for others. Shipnuck also indicated that Rahm is expected to leave the tour. DeChambeau’s ultimate choice remains unresolved. Shipnuck remarked that due to DeChambeau’s fluctuating stance and the high stakes for his life and career, an exact outcome cannot yet be predicted.