Major golfers Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau and Cam Smith have dealt a blow to the PGA Tour's attempts to lure back former members with a special returning member programme.
The three top players are set to remain with LIV Golf, having rejected the offer to return under the new initiative. The PGA Tour had extended an olive branch to Rahm, DeChambeau and Smith in a bid to entice them back onto its ranks.
Brooks Koepka's recent return to the American circuit after quitting LIV Golf for family reasons set off the chain of events. In response, the PGA Tour opened its doors to other major winners who had left the tour.
However, Rahm stated he wished his former countryman Brooks "the best" but was "not planning to go anywhere." The Spaniard emphasized that he is focused on LIV Golf for this year and hopes to repeat as champions with his team.
DeChambeau pointed out that he has a contract through 2026, making it unlikely that he would rejoin the PGA Tour. He expressed excitement about competing in this year's tournament. Meanwhile, Australian Smith confirmed he had "made a decision" and will remain on LIV Golf for years to come.
Rahm, DeChambeau, and Smith are all eligible under the new returning member programme that was introduced by the PGA Tour. The initiative is available only for the 2026 season, with no promise of future openings.
Only players who have been away from the tour for at least two years and won major championships between 2022 and 2025 were eligible to take advantage of this offer. Phil Mickelson ruled himself out due to his six major wins prior to 2021.
The PGA Tour chief executive Brian Rolapp acknowledged that the initiative was a "one-time, defined window" with no precedent for future situations.
The three top players are set to remain with LIV Golf, having rejected the offer to return under the new initiative. The PGA Tour had extended an olive branch to Rahm, DeChambeau and Smith in a bid to entice them back onto its ranks.
Brooks Koepka's recent return to the American circuit after quitting LIV Golf for family reasons set off the chain of events. In response, the PGA Tour opened its doors to other major winners who had left the tour.
However, Rahm stated he wished his former countryman Brooks "the best" but was "not planning to go anywhere." The Spaniard emphasized that he is focused on LIV Golf for this year and hopes to repeat as champions with his team.
DeChambeau pointed out that he has a contract through 2026, making it unlikely that he would rejoin the PGA Tour. He expressed excitement about competing in this year's tournament. Meanwhile, Australian Smith confirmed he had "made a decision" and will remain on LIV Golf for years to come.
Rahm, DeChambeau, and Smith are all eligible under the new returning member programme that was introduced by the PGA Tour. The initiative is available only for the 2026 season, with no promise of future openings.
Only players who have been away from the tour for at least two years and won major championships between 2022 and 2025 were eligible to take advantage of this offer. Phil Mickelson ruled himself out due to his six major wins prior to 2021.
The PGA Tour chief executive Brian Rolapp acknowledged that the initiative was a "one-time, defined window" with no precedent for future situations.
I mean, can you blame them? The PGA Tour is basically begging to take back their old stars and they're just like 'no thanks' 
Rahm's focus on winning with his team is really cool, though. And DeChambeau has a solid contract, so why change horses mid-stream? 
I'm loving the competitive vibes of LIV Golf, and I think these guys are gonna crush it this year 
Brooks Koepka's return was kinda surprising, but good on him for prioritizing family life 
Maybe one day we'll see a PGA Tour revival, but for now, LIV Golf is where it's at 
. LIV Golf's got them pretty locked in now, and it's hard to blame them for wanting stability. Smith seems like he's good on that too...I mean, if they're not gonna be swayed by the PGA Tour's offer, I guess you can't force someone to come back 
. It'll be interesting to see how this whole thing plays out, though 
. I mean, who wouldn't want to be part of that lucrative league and compete against the best? 
Rahm, DeChambeau, and Smith are all in, no questions asked 
. The PGA Tour is trying to lure them back with a special program, but it's like trying to put toothpaste back in the tube 
. I guess we'll just have to wait and see how this plays out 
and has some great perks too. Like, who wouldn't want to play with that kind of money and talent pool? 
On the other hand, it's not like they're going to lose out on too much by staying put... I mean, have you seen the prize purses on LIV Golf? 
, I'm loving how competitive it's getting in golf 
. Can't say I blame them tho, those guys are already raking it in 
? Still think Koepka made a smart move 
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. I mean, they had an amazing offer to come back and now it's all up in the air 
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. These top players are making bank on the new tour and I'm not sure the PGA Tour can compete with that. And what's with this "one-time, defined window" thingy? Sounds like a cop-out to me 
. Can't say I blame 'em either, LIV has been making some big moves and it seems like they're on the rise 
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. The thing that really gets me is that Brooks Koepka's return made all this possible...like he's the one who "made it happen" or something 
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. and i gotta say, i'm a little disappointed in the pga tour for trying to lure them back like this... it just comes across as desperate 
dechambeau has a contract till 2026 so it's hard to imagine him coming back 
️ i guess the pga tour is just gonna have to wait and see if other big names jump in 
. Brooks Koepka's return was a nice gesture, but I don't think it's gonna make a difference. DeChambeau's contract situation just makes him less likely to jump ship 
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and it seems like it's only available on lfg golf site not many other major outlets are covering this