Report: Bryson DeChambeau's LIV Golf teammate joins player exodus

Charles Howell III has become the latest player to decide to part ways with LIV Golf ahead of the 2027 season, according to a report. 

The American was among the first wave of players recruited by the breakaway tour in 2022 and has spent the past four seasons competing alongside Bryson DeChambeau in the Crushers quartet.

But the three-time PGA Tour winner reportedly has no interest in extending his stay with LIV Golf, according to Sports Business Journal.

The publication reported on Thursday that Howell's contract expired this season and he wasn't interested in committing to LIV 2.0. 

Existing LIV players have a soft deadline of 25 October to confirm whether or not they want to continue with the league. 

LIV filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protecting in the United States in September and hopes to emerge from the ashes with new financiers next season. 

London-based credit firm, BC Partners, is willing to inject $300m.

The Financial Times have reported LIV hopes to roll out a 17-event schedule in 2027 with field sizes of at least 75 players. 

Howell's defining moment with LIV came in February 2023, when he claimed the individual title at the league's event in Mayakoba, Mexico. 

The 47-year-old carded a final-round 63 to finish three shots clear of compatriot Peter Uihlein, securing one of the biggest victories of his career.

The result came during his first season with LIV, having made the move after more than two decades competing on the PGA Tour. 

Howell had established himself as a consistent performer on the American circuit, collecting three victories and building a reputation as one of its most dependable players.

Howell becomes the latest player to signal an unwillingness to continue with LIV Golf into its next phase, following Jon Rahm, Adrian Meronk, David Puig, Abraham Ancer and Thomas Pieters.

Pieters confirmed to FlushingIt that he intends to return to the DP World Tour on a full-time basis next season. 

Only three players - Richard Bland, Victor Perez and Cameron Tringale - have publicly stated they intend to remain with LIV should the league survive. 

DeChambeau free to leave LIV Golf

As for Bryson DeChambeau, the two-time U.S. Open champion is now also free to pursue other opportunities. 

On October 14, 2026, a US bankruptcy judge approved LIV's request to reject the existing contracts of 19 golfers, including DeChambeau. 

DeChambeau has not publicly confirmed his intentions, having previously indicated uncertainty over whether to continue with LIV. 

His release from the existing agreement does not necessarily signal his departure.

It has also been confirmed that the aforementioned Rahm has reached a separation agreement with LIV Golf. 

The deal appears to suggest that the Spaniard will forfeit millions of dollars.