Even before Brooks Koepka’s departure, Bryson DeChambeau, known as the ‘Scientist,’ was the face of LIV Golf. Now, he holds all the cards in the league’s future. An analysis.
First the latest news: Brooks Koepka’s first appearance at the driving range at Torrey Pines was met with neither hostility nor warmth from former and current colleagues. The LIV returnee experienced only a friendly indifference, with even Wyndham Clark, an outspoken skeptic of the PGA Tour’s Returning Member Program, remaining inconspicuous.
Call with Tiger Woods
Koepka, 35, admitted earlier he was excited but aware that some players would be happy while others angry about recent developments. At the Farmers Insurance Open press conference, he expressed gratitude to the PGA Tour for the chance to return and revealed that his first phone call after finalizing his comeback was to Tiger Woods, the influential figure behind the scenes in Ponte Vedra Beach. Koepka understands whose approval truly matters.
\”I’m excited about this new chapter in my career and thrilled to be here. Brian Rolapp, Jay Monahan, Tiger Woods, and everyone who gave me this opportunity, I am very grateful.\”
Brooks Koepka
LIV Golf’s Dynamics Shifted
But this article focuses mainly on Bryson DeChambeau. Koepka’s exit drastically altered the LIV Golf League’s starting lineup, cutting its key assets by a third. Koepka was one of the few with major titles and broad public appeal, alongside DeChambeau, the 2020 and 2024 US Open winner, and truly an exceptional figure in many ways.
DeChambeau: The Crown Jewel of LIV
Besides Jon Rahm, who is valuable especially from a European perspective, LIV’s roster has lost significance. Other players like Sergio Garcia or Joaquin Niemann add some depth, but not much weight. Patrick Reed draws attention more for controversy than performance, despite winning the Hero Dubai Desert Classic recently, while Dustin Johnson missing the cut there hardly mattered. Rory McIlroy’s remark that LIV is no longer signing impactful players seems accurate.
Majors and YouTube: DeChambeau’s Strategy
LIV Golf increasingly lives and breathes through 32-year-old Texan Bryson DeChambeau. Recently, he hinted that he might focus solely on major championships while devoting time to his YouTube channel \”Break 50,\” which boasts nearly three million followers and earns him an estimated $800,000 annually, a figure that is growing.
\”I’m confident in LIV’s potential. It has to make sense for both sides, and if it does, we will evolve in a cool direction. I definitely don’t want to let my Crushers teammates down.\”
Bryson DeChambeau
DeChambeau