As LIV Golf’s future stands at a crossroads, its players are reportedly seeking a way back to the PGA Tour. If Bryson DeChambeau ever decides to come back, former USA Ryder Cup captain Tom Lehman believes he should start from the bottom.

DeChambeau was one of LIV Golf's biggest signings back in 2022. According to Lehman, LIV's marquee player should not hold any status upon his return to the PGA Tour.

“Start over. Earn your way back up,“ Lehman said to Garrett Johnston on the BeyondTheClubhouse Podcast. 

The two-time major champion must return to the Korn Ferry Tour, a feeder circuit for the PGA Tour, as per Lehman.

“I don’t care who you are. You know, and I love Bryson. I love him, I mean, I think he’s one of my favourite players in the world. I love Bryson, and he’s good enough where, you know, you put him in that position, he’ll work his way back up,” he added.

Earlier this year, Brooks Koepka was allowed to return through the Returning Members Program. Notably, he had to pay a $5m fine and faced financial restraints.

On the other hand, Patrick Reed currently faces a one-year suspension since his last LIV start. He will be back in August, but can't apply as a member until 2027.

Lehman does not think that DeChambeau should be considered an exception.

“You know, but to put him above the guys who loyally stayed with the Tour and have played on the Tour, who maybe even turned down big money, I think is wrong,” said Lehman. 

DeChambeau was eligible for the Returning Members Program, but he chose to stick with the rebel tour. However, now, with the investment hiatus, LIV’s future hangs in the balance.

His contract runs out at the end of this year, and he could well be on his way back to the American circuit.

However, the Crushers GC captain has been heavily involved in securing investment for the team-based league.

DeChambeau Involved In LIV’s Pitching Process

The People’s Champ has been a part of LIV's pitching process to prospective investors alongside LIV CEO Scott O’ Neil.

“We’ll see if investors like it or not. I’m giving all I can to make it happen, and if it doesn’t, it doesn’t happen,” said DeChambeau at LIV Korea. 

The 5-time LIV winner has enormous faith in the model of team golf. He sees a promising future for the model.

“I do see value in what team golf can provide, not only worldwide but also in grass-rooting the game of golf. National support, team national support, city, local support, we grass-root ourselves there,” he added.

LIV has been seeking investment in the range of $300 million and is pitching a reduced 10-event schedule with significantly lower purses.

DeChambeau has been trying to put his lofty status to good use for the rebel tour.

What are your thoughts on Lehman’s statement? Share them in the comments.

Read more at Club Golf.

Written by

Avishek Sarkar

Edited by

Sijo Paul