LIV Golf organised a media day this Tuesday with all the captains, except for the figurehead of the new Korean Golf Club, formerly Iron Heads. This absence was justified on the basis that an important announcement would be made this Wednesday. The name Kevin Na was not explicitly mentioned. It is unknown whether this was an oversight or if there will be a change at the helm of this team.
Obviously, the most interesting part of the joint appearance was hearing Bryson DeChambeau, Jon Rahm, and Cameron Smith speak for the first time about the PGA Tour’s proposal for a return following Brooks Koepka‘s reintegration. With measured, calculated, and almost laconic words, the three committed to continue with LIV Golf at least until 2026.
DeChambeau explained that “I have a contract until 2026, so I’m excited about this year.” Rahm then took the floor and stated, as reported on Monday by Ten Golf, that “I have no intention of going anywhere. A very similar response to Bryson’s. I wish Brooks all the best. As for me, I’m focused on the league and my team this year, and hopefully, we can repeat as champions again.” Finally, a little later, Cameron Smith noted that “I haven’t had much time to think about it. But I know I’m staying here. I’m here to support LIV. I’m the captain of a great team and a great group of people. I’m happy where I am. I’m proud of where I am. I think we do a lot of great things, especially in Australia, and I can’t wait for this league to keep growing.”
Rahm assures that the PGA Tour’s Member Return Programme didn’t catch him by surprise, although he didn’t pay much attention to it. “I had heard rumours for quite a few weeks, some even since last year. It was no surprise. I haven’t seen much, although I’m aware of what happened. I didn’t know we three were named. But the criteria themselves, obviously, would be enough for us to know who they are. But yes, I wasn’t surprised at all. I’ve heard quite a few rumours for a while. Not surprised at all by yesterday’s news.”
DeChambeau, for his part, tried to explain in his own way his social media message with the exit sign and the question to followers. “There’s a new viral trend about exit signs, so I just wanted to show that in a new way.”
On the other hand, Jon described his 2025 season as consistent but bittersweet and defended the change to 72 holes. “It will be very good for teams that play better because it will allow for bigger differences, although at the same time it will allow more room for recovery for others.” Meanwhile, DeChambeau was convinced it would make the differences between the best and worst teams greater.
Mickelson took the opportunity to announce that he has in mind the possibility of signing a young player to bring fresh blood into the team, alongside Brendan Steele and Cameron Tringale. This is a replacement for Ogletree. Similarly, he made it clear that his game is fine and he is looking forward to the season, although he doesn’t rule out stepping aside soon and focusing solely on his captain duties. Additionally, he was surprisingly diplomatic with the PGA Tour, while wishing Koepka all the best. “I think it’s the most diplomatic answer I’ve ever heard from Phil,” joked Bryson.
Sergio García, meanwhile, was seen very excited about the youth and strength of his team. “I love one thing: the good times are going to be great and the bad times won’t be so bad because I know we’re all going to help each other and lend a shoulder when needed. Chemistry is fundamental in a team, and there we have the example of my team’s coach, Real Madrid, who was sacked due to that lack of chemistry with his players.”
Dustin Johnson spoke about the change from Thomas Detry to Harold Varner III. Very Dustin Johnson. “In the three days I’ve been getting to know him better, I really like him, he seems very talented. I’m very grateful because our team is going to be much calmer.”
For his part, Poulter confirmed that 20 percent of the players will be relegated at the end of 2026. “It’s great for us. I think the league has done an incredible job structuring things the right way to push the issue of world ranking points. We’ve ticked pretty much all the boxes. I don’t know what’s left. I think we’re all quite happy with the way the league has structured it. Looking ahead, there will be pathways to move up. There’s the extra pathway for the guys from last week, obviously three cards to enter the league, which is fantastic, and the International Series gains strength every year. I don’t want to be in that relegation position when the end of August comes, and unfortunately, there will be some, and I don’t want to be one of them.” At the same time, he pointed out that he doesn’t know what level of involvement Henrik Stenson will have this year in the team as captain, once he lost his status in LIV as a player due to the ranking.
