Bryson DeChambeau opens up on LIV Golf contract talks ahead of U.S. Open

Reigning U.S. Open champion Bryson DeChambeau says he's confident of a contract extension with LIV Golf. 

DeChambeau opened up on the subject ahead of the third men's major of the year at Oakmont. 

There has been speculation in recent months that the American, 31, would entertain a return to the PGA Tour along with Brooks Koepka. 

He previously poured cold water on those claims and Koepka also offered a dim response to the conjecture. 

"I don't know where I'm going, so I don't know how everybody else does," Koepka said in March. 

DeChambeau told reporters in his news conference on Tuesday that his deal with the PIF-backed breakaway does indeed expire at the conclusion of the 2026 campaign. 

But he's opening talks later this year to extend his deal. 

"And I'm very excited," he said. "They see the value in me. 

"I see the value in what they can provide, and I believe we'll come to some sort of resolution on that. [I am] super excited for the future."

The PGA Tour said in February they were closer to a deal with LIV Golf after calling on American president Donald Trump to intervene. 

Player directors Tiger Woods, Adam Scott and Tour commissioner Jay Monahan met with powerful Saudi businessman and LIV's mastermind, Yasir Al Rumayyan, on more than one occasion. 

Fast-forward five months and it appears there is absolutely no hope that a resolution will ever be found to end the split in men's professional golf. 

ESPN previously reported on the eve of The Masters that the PGA Tour rejected a $1.5bn offer of investment from the PIF. 

That offer came with the caveat that the LIV Golf League would remain intact. 

DeChambeau has a clear idea of what he believes the future will look like. 

"I think that LIV is not going anywhere," he said.  

"His Excellency (Yasir Al-Rumayyan) has been steadfast in his belief on team golf, and whether everybody believes in it or not, I think it's a viable option. 

"I think it's a viable commercial option. Our team has been EBIDTA positive for the past two years, so we're starting to grow and move in the right direction, just like TGL."

DeChambeau was referencing the innovative golf league co-founded by Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy. 

"TGL has done a great job," DeChambeau added. 

"They've got some teams that are making some money, and I believe there is a sustainable model out there. 

"How it all works with the game of golf, who knows, but I know my worth. 

"I know what LIV brings to the table. And I'm excited for the future of what golf is going to be."

DeChambeau's plan for Oakmont

Last week, DeChambeau told his YouTube subscribers the venue for the 2025 U.S. Open tests not only a players skill but also their sanity. 

Videos have flooded the socials over the past few days showing just how gnarly the rough is. 

DeChambeau overpowered Winged Foot when he won his first U.S. Open in 2020.

But that won't be the case this week if he goes successfully defends his title. 

Asked how many drivers he'll hit this week, DeChambeau said it depends on how he is playing. 

"You can't just bomb it on every single hole and blast over bunkers and have a wedge run up to the front of the green," he said.  

"You can on a lot of the holes but not on every one of them. 

"I think this golf course you have to be just a fraction more strategic, especially with the rough is so long. 

"I'm going to be as fearless as I can possibly be out there; I know that."

DeChambeau is also using a new set of irons this week.