'Big Three' to Remain with LIV Golf

DeChambeau, Rahm, and Smith Say No to PGA Return
Eligible for "Reinstatement Membership Program"
"We're Not Going Anywhere"?Declare Commitment to LIV Golf

Bryson DeChambeau (United States), Jon Rahm (Spain), and Cameron Smith (Australia) have announced their intention to continue competing in LIV Golf.

On January 13 (local time), they attended the LIV Golf preseason press conference held in Palm Beach, Florida, and stated, "We will continue to participate in LIV Golf tournaments this season."

Bryson DeChambeau has declared that he will remain with LIV Golf. Photo by AFP Yonhap News

They are among those eligible for the "Reinstatement Member Program" recently announced by the PGA Tour. The PGA Tour stated that this program applies to players who have suspended their activities for more than two years and have won one of the four major championships or The Players Championship, known as the fifth major, between 2022 and 2025. Players who apply for reinstatement to the PGA Tour by February 2 will be allowed to compete on the tour starting this year.

Brooks Koepka (United States), known as a "major hunter," was subject to this regulation the previous day. Having secured nine wins on the PGA Tour, he announced his departure from LIV Golf in December last year and returned to the PGA Tour through the reinstatement member program. He will make his comeback at the PGA Tour's Farmers Insurance Open at the end of this month, marking his first appearance in a PGA Tour event in four years since the Valspar Championship in March 2022.

DeChambeau dismissed rumors of returning to the PGA Tour, saying, "I am looking forward to seeing what results I can achieve in LIV Golf this year." Rahm, who reportedly has at least two years left on his contract, also said, "I'm not going anywhere," and added, "I'm focused on our team this year and hope we can defend the champion's title once again." Smith likewise revealed his plans, stating, "I will continue to play in LIV for the next few years."