Bryson DeChambeau has set off fresh rumors about his future after posting a cryptic Instagram story on Wednesday, January 14. The two-time US Open champion shared a photo of himself standing near an exit sign and asked fans what they would do.
The post comes at a time when DeChambeau could be eligible for the PGA Tour’s new one-time return program. The policy was introduced after Brooks Koepka left LIV Golf and rejoined the Tour. As part of that deal, Koepka made a five million dollar donation and gave up future equity to avoid a suspension.
DeChambeau shared the image with his 4.3 million followers and added a short message.
“What would you do?” he wrote.
He has not said anything directly about leaving LIV Golf, but the post has only added to the talk around his next move. DeChambeau’s current contract with the Saudi-backed league runs through the end of 2026, though his rising popularity has already given him more influence in negotiations.
Earlier this week, the PGA Tour announced its Returning Member Program. The rule allows certain former LIV players to come back if they meet specific requirements, even though penalties still apply. DeChambeau qualifies for the program along with Jon Rahm and Cameron Smith. All three have won major championships since 2022. The deadline to apply is February 2, which falls just two days before LIV Golf begins its season in Riyadh.
Bryson DeChambeau’s possible PGA Tour return gets support from Rory McIlroy
Rory McIlroy has said he would not oppose Bryson DeChambeau returning to the PGA Tour, adding that players who left for LIV Golf have already paid a price for their decision. Speaking earlier this month on the Overlap podcast, McIlroy said the tour would benefit if the best players were competing against each other more often.
He explained that he would be fine with DeChambeau or others coming back if it helped strengthen the Tour. McIlroy also made it clear that he does not feel more punishment is needed.
“I think they’ve already paid their consequence. They’ve made the money but they’ve paid their consequence in terms of the reputation and some of the things they’ve lost by going over there,” he said.
McIlroy added that the decision should not be made by one person alone.
“If it made the overall tour stronger to have Bryson DeChambeau back and whoever else, I would be okay with it. But it’s not just me, and I recognize that not everyone is in my position. It would be up to the collective group of PGA Tour members to make that decision.”
However, DeChambeau’s most recent comments suggest he is not planning to leave LIV anytime soon. Speaking last week, he confirmed that he will continue playing in the Saudi-backed league in 2026 as the captain of Crushers GC. He did not say whether a new deal has been signed.
“Keeping this core together for 2026 positions us to build on the momentum we carried out of 2025. This group knows what it takes to win. We’re a team of competitors, creators and leaders who take pride in pushing the game forward, and having this group return gives us continuity, confidence and a clear direction as we raise our standards heading into next season,” DeChambeau said. (via LIV Golf)
DeChambeau had one of his better seasons in 2025, picking up a win in Korea and closing the year third in the individual standings.