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DeChambeau, Rahm and Smith Reject PGA Tour Path, Commit to LIV for 2026

The PGA Tour had opened a one-time, penalty-laden reinstatement route following Brooks Koepka’s approved return.

Overview

  • At LIV media events in South Florida, Bryson DeChambeau, Jon Rahm and Cameron Smith said they will not apply for PGA Tour reinstatement and will stay with LIV this season.
  • The trio are the only LIV players eligible for the PGA Tour’s Returning Member Program, which carries a Feb. 2 application deadline and will not be offered again.
  • Return terms detailed by the Tour include a $5 million charitable payment, a five-year forfeiture of participation in the Player Equity Program, and limits on access to signature events and certain bonuses.
  • Brooks Koepka used the new mechanism to rejoin the PGA Tour and is set to start at the Farmers Insurance Open on Jan. 29 before the WM Phoenix Open.
  • LIV’s 2026 season moves to 72-hole events and the league has reapplied for Official World Golf Ranking points, with play set to begin Feb. 4 in Riyadh.