The post Insider: Bryson DeChambeau Plotting LIV Golf Exit as Withdrawal from $30M Event Raises Eyebrows
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As soon as reports of the Public Investment Fund's decision to break ties with LIV Golf made the headlines, there was a lot of unrest among the Saudi league's pros. One of the biggest names to act out was Bryson DeChambeau
. He was visibly frustrated during LIV Golf Mexico City and also withdrew from the event. And now it seems that the Crushers GC captain might be looking for a career beyond the league.
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As per the report by Brody Miller on
The Athletic
, "DeChambeau and his team spent a part of Masters week meeting with organizations to discuss possible options if he chose to leave LIV. In the wake of others leaving LIV for the PGA Tour earlier this year, his ask to resign is up to $500 million. DeChambeau has even used his YouTube success as a leverage play with all potential suitors, indicating he's open to only filming content and playing the four major championships."
The five-time LIV Golf winner is nearing the end of his 4.5-year deal after this season, reportedly valued at around $125 million and backed by the PIF. Now, reports of DeChambeau demanding $500 million to renew his LIV Golf contract had already surfaced at the beginning of 2026. The PGA Tour offered the option for him to return through the Returning Member Program. That gave him the leverage to negotiate his desired terms with Scott O'Neil. However, nothing was agreed upon then, and the validity of Brian Rolapp's offer also expired.
Now, with everything that is going on with the PIF, DeChambeau once again has the leverage to discuss his terms. He may find it difficult to find sponsors outside of LIV Golf. But the 32-year-old will still have the upper hand against O'Neil.
Within LIV Golf, there are still hopes that he will stay, though there's also an understanding, as highlighted by Miller, that the league "cannot ever go back to the world of contracts worth hundreds of millions in guaranteed dollars." At the same time, Brian Rolapp has suggested that players like DeChambeau and Rahm could have a pathway back to the PGA Tour if LIV were to collapse.
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Well, this renewed focus on DeChambeau's future comes after his withdrawal from LIV Mexico City, where he had already been struggling after missing the cut at the Masters. He entered the final round 16 shots behind Rahm before stepping away from the $30M event on Sunday.
DeChambeau later confirmed on social media, "I experienced some discomfort in my wrist during yesterday's round and have decided to withdraw from the final round of LIV Golf Mexico City to prevent further injury."
He added, "Not how I wanted this week to go."
He also noted that he is yet to undergo evaluation, but remains hopeful of returning for LIV Golf Virginia from May 7–10, which is just a week before the PGA Championship. However, his decision to skip media duties after a two-over round on Saturday in Mexico City only added to the intrigue surrounding his situation.
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That said, the relationship between DeChambeau and the LIV Golf CEO is still great. And the article reflected on that.
Bryson DeChambeau is still on good terms with Scott O'Neil
Bryson DeChambeau might be looking for alternatives, but that doesn't mean his relationship with Scott O'Neil is ruined. In fact, sources confirmed that the two still share a great connection, as seen during their recent interactions.
"He is essential to LIV, and DeChambeau and O'Neil were seen joking around with each other on Thursday. There's optimism within LIV that he's not going anywhere. While also a clear concession that they cannot ever go back to the world of contracts worth hundreds of millions in guaranteed dollars," Miller mentioned in the article.
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Furthermore, when asked about negotiations with DeChambeau, O'Neil had said he is "pretty confident we'll find a solution".
"I am with him way more than I am with my own family," he added. "Nobody is more passionate about growing the game in the most purest sense of the word than Bryson. He loves LIV Golf."
Still and all, O'Neil hopes to keep his marquee player on board; he might need to rethink the choice of venues going forward. During play at Chapultepec, DeChambeau was repeatedly seen expressing frustration with the course conditions.
DeChambeau threw a tantrum over the poor rough conditions
at Club de Golf Chapultepec last week. He also had a shocking short putt miss
, which left him speechless during the third round of LIV Golf Mexico City 2026.
