Bryson DeChambeau unhappy with LIV Golf format change

Bryson DeChambeau has cast further doubt on his LIV Golf future by explaining he "didn't sign up to play 72 holes". 

The American, 32, will kick off his 2026 season later this week under the lights in Riyadh. 

Whether or not he was going to be in Saudi Arabia for LIV's curtain-raiser was up for debate. 

The 2024 U.S. Open champion was one of three players given the opportunity to rejoin the PGA Tour under their returning member programme. 

Brooks Koepka quit LIV Golf in December 2025 and the American circuit offered three high-profile LIV players the option of crossing back over. 

But DeChambeau, Cameron Smith and Jon Rahm have pledged to remain with LIV Golf for the foreseeable future. 

During a recent interview with TG, DeChambeau reiterated he will stay with LIV for the 2026 season before assessing his options. 

But it appears DeChambeau was among those unhappy with LIV's format change. 

Save for the team championship, all LIV events will be contested over 72 holes in 2026 instead of 54. 

It is thought the change was made to help with LIV's pursuit to be accredited by the sport's global rankings body. 

The board of the OWGR met last week and, according to the Associated Press, will make an announcement later this week. 

"It's definitely changed away from what we had initially been told it was going to be," the two-time U.S. Open champion told Today's Golfer. 

"So there is some movement that we've all been, I would say, interested in, and going, 'why that movement?' 

"Because we were told it was going to be this. So that's definitely made us have some different thoughts about it."

According to TelegraphSport, DeChambeau is reportedly asking for $500m to extend his contract with LIV Golf. 

The four-year deal he signed in 2022 was reportedly in excess of $125m. 

DeChambeau added: "I've got a contract for this year, and we'll go through it there and see what happens after that. 

"Look, it's 72 holes, it's changed, but we're still excited to play professionally and for what we're going to do across the world. 

"I think it's going to be great for our team. Is it ultimately what we signed up for? No. 

"So I think we're supposed to be different, I'm a little indifferent to it right now. 

"Hopefully it weights positively on me over the course of time, but you never know. I'm not sure. We didn't sign up to play for 72."