Bryson DeChambeau told he'd be "stupid" not to take up DP World Tour offer

Bryson DeChambeau would be "stupid" not to take up the DP World Tour's offer of membership for 2027 even if the American plays only half a dozen tournaments, according to England's Eddie Pepperell.

DeChambeau was offered a free route back to the European tour after LIV Golf confirmed its intentions to wind down its operations earlier this month.

LIV had hoped to continue with BC Partners financing the operation, with DeChambeau seen as "make or break" for the proposed 2.0 relaunch.

But the London-based credit firm pulled out, allegedly because it was not satisfied with the group of players who had signed up.

DeChambeau made his first public statement since LIV's bankruptcy proceedings began on Sunday, explaining that he had "given everything" to keep the tour alive.

But he stopped short of declaring his future plans, adding that he intends to travel to South Africa in December to play in Gary Player's Nedbank Golf Challenge.

Telegraph Sport reported that DeChambeau's team had been made aware by DP World Tour officials that he could take up full playing privileges in 2027 owing to his 2024 US Open victory at Pinehurst.

But the clock is ticking, with DeChambeau needing to apply for membership by 16 November.

"I just think it would be stupid not to take it up, even if he decides to play half a dozen tournaments next year," Pepperell told the latest edition of the Chipping Forecast.

"And there are going to be more than that that he's going to be invited to, welcomed to, and they are great tournaments.

"So, yeah, I don't know why he wouldn't take that up."

DeChambeau would not be the only big name competing on the DP World Tour in 2027.

Former Masters champion Sergio Garcia has revealed his intention to reapply for membership in a bid to make the European Ryder Cup team in 2027.

Garcia told GolfMagic last week that he has already held positive talks with captain Luke Donald.

Tyrrell Hatton will add further star quality to DP World Tour fields in 2027, while former US Open champion Graeme McDowell is also likely to return.

European Ryder Cup legends Ian Poulter and Lee Westwood have settled their fines, but it remains to be seen whether either will reapply for their memberships. 

Joaquin Niemann and Cameron Smith will likely receive their fair share of sponsor invitations.

Several other LIV players are currently trying to make their way through the final stage of qualifying school in Spain.

"There's no doubt about it, in 2027 the DP World Tour is going to have some fantastically strong tournaments, and I suspect or I hope Bryson will be part of them alongside Jon and Tyrrell and Joaquin Niemann," added Pepperell.

"And I think the other thing as well is that I actually do think this is going to encourage Rory McIlroy to come back as often as he has been, if not more."

Pepperell explained that sponsors would play an important role in strengthening tournament fields.

"You know, Hero [MotoCorp] at the end of the day can invite who they want into Dubai, and I'm pretty sure if they've got a choice between, you know, Shiv Kapur and Joaquin Niemann, with all due respect to Shiv Kapur, nothing against the guy, wonderful fella, but they're going to invite Joaquin Niemann," he said.

"I do think that they are going to have some very strong tournaments next year on the DP World Tour, and Bryson, I would be stunned if he doesn't take up membership, to be honest."