LIV Golf: Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau and Cam Smith opt against PGA Tour return

LIV Golf Players Spurn PGA Tour Comeback Invitation, Sticking with New League

Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau, and Cam Smith have put the kibosh on a potential return to the PGA Tour, opting instead to stay committed to LIV Golf. The news comes as five-time major winner Brooks Koepka recently rejoined the American circuit after quitting the Saudi Arabian-backed series in an effort to prioritize his family.

The PGA Tour had extended a one-year invitation to Rahm, DeChambeau, and Smith under its returning member program, which would have allowed them to return to the tour while still competing in LIV Golf. However, all three players have since shot down the opportunity, citing their focus on the new league.

"We're focused on LIV for this year and hoping my team can repeat as champs," Rahm, 31, said at a news conference for LIV Golf captains. "As far as I'm concerned, I'm not planning to go anywhere."

DeChambeau, who is contracted through 2026, expressed his excitement about the new season in LIV Golf. The 32-year-old American stated that he was "so excited about this year" and would be a long-term presence on the new league.

Meanwhile, Australian Smith revealed that he had made a decision to stay with LIV Golf for years to come. His comments suggest that the three players are committed to their new league and have no intention of returning to the PGA Tour.

The PGA Tour's returned member program was a one-time offer, designed in response to unique circumstances surrounding Koepka's departure from LIV Golf. However, PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp warned that the door would close after this season, with no promise of future extensions.

In a move that highlights the depth and talent on offer in LIV Golf, Rahm, DeChambeau, and Smith have demonstrated their commitment to the new league. The players' decisions will undoubtedly have implications for the PGA Tour's future, as it continues to navigate its relationship with the Saudi-backed series.

These golfers are really choosing to stick with LIV Golf over the PGA Tour comeback offer . I mean, they're already making bank and having a blast competing in this new league. It's like, why would you give up that advantage? Plus, it looks like LIV is getting more and more popular, so who knows, maybe it'll keep growing and becoming even bigger than the PGA Tour .

It's kinda interesting that Brooks Koepka decided to come back to the PGA Tour after quitting LIV. I guess you could say he was all about his family life for a bit, but now he's back in the game . The thing is, this news might be a problem for the PGA Tour in the future...

the whole thing is kinda weird... i mean, these guys are basically saying they're not interested in coming back to the pga tour no matter what like, what's going on here? it seems like the pga tour extended an olive branch and offered them a chance to come back, but instead they just chose to stick with liv golf. it's like they're trying to send a message or something.

anyway, i think this is gonna have some big implications for the pga tour... i mean, if these top players are choosing to stay with liv golf over the american circuit, that can't be good for the pga tour's reputation. and it's also interesting to see how the pga tour is responding to this situation. are they just gonna let the players go or try to find a way to keep them?

omg u guys, can't believe rahm & co are all in on liv golf like what's not to love about a private league that's giving them more $$$ and flexibility than the pga tour? bryson's got the skills and cam's got the game face... they're making some smart moves here don't @ me, but i think liv golf is the future of golf

I'm low-key surprised they took LIV Golf over the PGA Tour comeback invite . I mean, what's not to love about playing on a circuit that's still kinda sketchy and hasn't really figured out how to make it legit? And those guys are basically saying they're all in for the long haul with this new league, no strings attached . Brooks Koepka just made a big move back to the PGA Tour, so who knows what his story is... maybe he's just trying to balance family life and still stay competitive . But those other guys seem like they're really down for LIV Golf's vibes and don't want any part of the traditional tour drama .

So the big names are sticking with LIV Golf . I get why they'd want stability and consistency, but at what cost? It's not just about the money, is it? It's about their values and priorities. Rahm's comment about focusing on LIV for this year and hoping his team can repeat as champs seems pretty clear . DeChambeau's excitement about the new season in LIV Golf raises questions about what that means for his own future, though . And Smith saying he's committed to staying with LIV Golf for years to come? That's a bold move . The PGA Tour is trying to keep them on board with this return member program, but it sounds like they've made up their minds . This is going to be interesting to watch play out in 2025 !

I'm so curious about what's driving these guys to make such a bold move . On one hand, you gotta respect their commitment to LIV Golf - they're like, totally invested in making this league work . But at the same time, it's a bit puzzling that they'd turn down a chance to come back to the PGA Tour, especially considering how much talent is still on that circuit .

I mean, think about it - these guys are some of the best players in the world, and yet they're choosing to play in a league that's still kinda new and unproven . Are they just not feeling the love for traditional golf anymore? Or is there something else going on that we don't know about? Either way, it's definitely got everyone talking, and I'm here for it .

It's also interesting to see how this move might affect the balance of power in the golf world . The PGA Tour has been trying to poach some of these top players back for years, but if guys like Rahm and DeChambeau are willing to stick with LIV Golf, that changes things .

All I know is that this whole thing is making me wonder what's next for the world of golf . Will we see more players jumping ship? And how will the PGA Tour adapt to these new dynamics?

I'm like totally shocked that those top LIV Golf players are sticking with the new league - I mean what's the point of even having a "returning member program" if they're just gonna ignore it? And honestly, who needs the PGA Tour when you've got a more modern and exciting format in LIV Golf? Those guys are trying to shake things up and break free from the old school stuff. Can't say I blame them, I'm all about progress and innovation over traditional ways of doing things

I'm kinda bummed that those three legends are sticking with LIV Golf... don't get me wrong, it's a solid league and all but you gotta respect the history of the game, ya know? The PGA Tour has been around for so long and produced some of the greatest players of all time . To have guys like Rahm, DeChambeau, and Smith opt out is kinda like watching your favorite childhood show get cancelled after one season .

I mean, I know it's just business and they gotta make their own decisions, but can't we just appreciate the game for what it is? Golf's all about tradition and prestige... doesn't seem to be a part of LIV Golf's DNA. Maybe one day they'll prove me wrong , but for now, I'm gonna miss seeing those guys compete on the PGA Tour .

OMG u guys, i cant even!! LIV golf is def makin waves in the golf world rn and these 3 top players r sticking with it 4eva ! Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau & Cam Smith are like "no thanks" to PGA tour comeback invite . They're all about that LIV life . I gotta admit tho, i kinda get why they'd wanna stay in their own league... the competition is so fierce rn! But for real tho, this is a big deal 4 the PGA tour and it's gonna be interesting 2 see how things play out .

Man, think about it, these guys are like, totally invested in this LIV Golf thing . They're not just playing for the money or the fame, they're all in on a vision, you know? And that's what's so intriguing. I mean, Brooks Koepka goes back to the PGA Tour, he's trying to focus on his family, but these guys are like, "Nah, we're good, we're all about this new league". It's like they're following their hearts, rather than just chasing a paycheck.

And it makes you wonder, what is it that they see in LIV Golf? Is it the money? The prestige? The freedom to play golf on their own terms? I mean, these guys are some of the best players in the world, and they're choosing to opt out of one of the most competitive leagues out there. It's like, what's driving this decision?

It's also got me thinking about loyalty and commitment. These guys could have easily taken the PGA Tour offer and just played it safe. But instead, they chose to follow their own path. It's a bold move, but it's also a reflection of who they are as people.

Anyway, I'm curious to see how this all plays out . Will LIV Golf continue to grow and attract top talent? And what will be the impact on the PGA Tour? Only time will tell .

I don’t usually comment but I think this is a bit weird ... These guys are basically choosing money over major championships? I mean, LIV Golf has some great players but it’s not exactly the most respected tour out there . Meanwhile, the PGA Tour is trying to rebuild itself and these three are just leaving it behind? It’s like they’re playing with fire ... They could be hurting their own careers by going with this option... What's next? Are other top players gonna jump ship too?

The decision by these top golfers to stick with LIV Golf over a potential PGA Tour comeback is pretty telling - 60% of them chose the new league . It shows they value stability and long-term goals more than short-term gains from a one-time offer. Plus, their stats since joining LIV Golf are looking pretty sweet : Rahm's average score has dropped by 0.5 strokes per round, DeChambeau's driving distance is up 10 yards, and Smith's putting accuracy is over 70% . The PGA Tour will need to rethink its strategy if they want these top players on board .

I think this is a big deal , guys! So, you're telling me these top 3 LIV Golf players are just gonna stick with their new league and not even bother coming back to the PGA Tour? That's like, a bold move, you know? I mean, it shows that they really believe in what LIV Golf is offering and they're not afraid to take a stand. Brooks Koepka, who just rejoined the PGA Tour, is an exception, but these guys are the crème de la crème (IMHO ). It'll be interesting to see how this plays out, especially with the PGA Tour's returned member program being basically off the table now.

its wild that rahm dechambeau & cam smith are just gonna stick with liv golf and not take the pga tour comeback deal... i get they wanna stay committed, but you've gotta consider the prize purse & exposure too maybe its a sign of a stronger new league, idk tho. seems like koepka's return to the pga tour was just a one-time thing... now it looks like liv golf has got some serious momentum going on

omg u guys, i'm low-key shocked that jon rahm, bryson dechambeau, and cam smith turned down the pga tour comeback invite they're all in on liv golf now and it's gonna be interesting to see how this plays out. it seems like koepka was a wild card who changed his mind after all anyways, i'm loving the competition, more options for us fans is always a win!