Bryson DeChambeau opens up on PGA Tour future as LIV Golf uncertainty grows during The Open

Bryson DeChambeau has responded to suggestions that LIV Golf players should be forced to return to the PGA Tour through the Korn Ferry Tour, insisting there are "other options" available.

The two-time U.S. Open champion was asked about comments made by 1996 Open champion Tom Lehman, who recently argued that any LIV player seeking a PGA Tour return should have to start on the developmental circuit or come through Q-School.

DeChambeau, 32, stopped short of criticising Lehman directly but questioned whether such a route would be appropriate for players who already hold exemptions or established credentials.

"I don’t know. Everybody has their opinion and I respect his opinion. I think that there is other options for me," DeChambeau told Garrett Johnston of Beyond the Clubhouse.

The debate comes at a time of growing uncertainty surrounding LIV Golf, with DeChambeau one of several high-profile players whose future remains unclear as the league continues its search for long-term investment beyond this season.

His current LIV contract expires at the end of the 2026 campaign, fuelling speculation over what comes next. While a return to the PGA Tour remains one possibility, DeChambeau has also hinted that he could take a very different path.

The American recently suggested he could focus primarily on his hugely successful YouTube channel while continuing to compete in the major championships and other tournaments where he receives invitations or qualifies through exemptions.

Having built one of the biggest golf channels on YouTube in 2026, DeChambeau is now viewed as far more than just one of the game's leading professionals. He has become one of golf's most influential content creators, giving him career options that few players have ever enjoyed.

Reports earlier this year claimed members of DeChambeau's management team held discussions with PGA Tour officials during Masters week to better understand what a potential return would look like.

DeChambeau was also among the LIV players offered a route back to the PGA Tour earlier this year under the same Returning Member program accepted by Brooks Koepka, although he chose not to return. Jon Rahm and Cameron Smith also declined the opportunity.

Asked whether established LIV players should have to rebuild their careers through the Korn Ferry Tour, DeChambeau pointed to existing exemptions as a factor that should not be overlooked.

"Is it valuable? Yeah. Are we working to build a product out here at LIV? Hopefully. Everybody thinks it’s going away right away but I don’t know about that.

"I think there is opportunity for team golf. I hope people understand, especially as some of us players have exemptions which are still outstanding.

"If somebody doesn’t have Tour membership or hasn’t had Tour membership or has exemption status I think there are routes to get back on the Tour if they want to do that.

"For players that do have exemptions I think it’s fair that we utilise those exemptions.

"For me it’s about how can I impact the game in the most positive way. Whether you believe that I’m doing that or not, it’s what I want to do."

Watch DeChambeau's comments in full: 

The debate over LIV players returning to the PGA Tour is unlikely to disappear anytime soon, particularly with both circuits facing significant changes over the next two years.

The PGA Tour is set to introduce its new two-tier structure from 2028, with the game's biggest names competing on the Championship Series while others battle on the Challenger Series. 

How that system will integrate with the Korn Ferry Tour remains to be seen, but it could ultimately provide another route back for former LIV players.

After nearly a two-month break, LIV Golf's next tournament takes place in England from 23-26 June. 

Meanwhile, DeChambeau has made an encouraging start to this week's Open Championship after a disappointing run in the majors.

The American carded a three-under-par 67 during the opening round at Royal Birkdale, with a bogey at the final hole leaving him just one shot off the early lead.

Despite winning twice on LIV Golf this season, DeChambeau missed the cut at The Masters, the PGA Championship and the U.S. Open before arriving in Southport.

His best finish at The Open remains a tie for eighth at St Andrews in 2022, but his opening round suggests he could finally be ready to challenge again on one of golf's biggest stages.