‘I’m happy to stay’: Phil Mickelson teammate makes LIV Golf commitment

Brendan Steele has made his LIV Golf future clear, insisting he is happy to remain with the breakaway league should its proposed new era under BC Partners Credit go ahead in 2027.

The 43-year-old American, who plays alongside Phil Mickelson for HyFlyers GC, has committed to the potential LIV 2.0 project as players face a soft deadline of 25 October to make an official decision on their futures.

"I'm committed to being here… This is where I want to be. This has been home to me for the last four years, it's been great. I'm happy to stay," Steele recently told reporters. 

The three-time PGA Tour winner captured his sole LIV Golf title at Adelaide in 2024. 

Steele's comments provide a welcome boost for LIV Golf as it attempts to build a competitive field for 2027, with several prominent names already indicating they will not take part in the proposed new era.

Phil Mickelson teammate joins growing list of commitments

Steele has joined fellow HyFlyers GC player Cameron Tringale in expressing a willingness to remain with LIV Golf if the new model gets the green light.

The team is captained by six-time major champion Mickelson, whose own future remains uncertain following a difficult year away from the course. 

Mickelson has played in just one tournament this year as he deals with family issues and seeks treatment.

• LIV 2.0 - Which players are staying or leaving?

Victor Perez and Richard Bland of Cleeks GC have also verbally committed to the proposed new era, while Ben Campbell of RangeGoats GC has indicated he would like to remain involved.

However, the number of players publicly expressing their willingness to stay on the league represented by CEO Scott O'Neil remains a concern for LIV Golf's prospective investors.

BC Partners Credit has emerged as a new lead investor, with representative Ted Goldthorpe making clear that attracting as many of the best players as possible will be crucial if the project is to move forward.

LIV Golf faces major changes in 2027

LIV Golf's original era is now over following the end of funding from Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF), which has reportedly invested more than $5 billion in the league over the past five years.

The proposed LIV Golf 2.0 model is expected to receive around $300 million in funding, a substantial reduction on the financial backing available during the league's initial expansion.

Under a new LIV Golf 2.0 model, players are set to hold a 52.5% majority equity stake in the reorganized league as part of a Chapter 11 bankruptcy rescue plan backed by BC Partners Credit.

The new structure is expected to feature approximately 10 tournaments and reduced prize purses, representing a significant change for players accustomed to LIV Golf's lavish spending.

Those changes could prove decisive as players weigh up their options ahead of the 25 October soft deadline.

Bryson DeChambeau decision could prove crucial

Perhaps the biggest unanswered question surrounds Bryson DeChambeau.

The two-time U.S. Open champion has become one of golf's most recognisable personalities, with his YouTube content helping him attract a substantial audience beyond traditional golf fans.

With Jon Rahm having confirmed his departure from LIV Golf, DeChambeau's decision could be particularly important to the league's hopes of retaining its profile and commercial appeal.

His popularity makes him one of LIV Golf's most valuable potential assets, and his future is among the biggest talking points as the deadline approaches.

Jon Rahm and other stars head for the exit

Rahm is not the only prominent name expected to leave or decline to participate in the proposed new era.

David Puig and Adrian Meronk have also been linked with departures, while Joaquin Niemann is understood to be considering leaving LIV Golf and focusing on the DP World Tour in 2027 before pursuing a route back to the PGA Tour in 2028.

Charles Howell III, Abraham Ancer and Thomas Pieters have also indicated they will not take part in LIV Golf 2.0.

Meanwhile, Sergio Garcia has terminated his contract and is expected to return to the DP World Tour in 2027, although his precise future involvement with LIV Golf remains unclear.

The departures raise significant questions about the strength of the field LIV Golf could assemble for its proposed relaunch.

Steele makes his intentions clear

Steele's commitment offers some encouragement, but LIV Golf still has plenty of work to do if it is to secure enough established players for 2027.

With the 25 October soft deadline approaching, the league should soon have a clearer picture of who is prepared to stay.

Steele has made his position clear, describing LIV Golf as home for the past four years and insisting he is happy to remain.

Whether enough of his fellow players follow his example could prove decisive for the league's future, with DeChambeau's decision looming particularly large.