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Not only did Bryson DeChambeau risk reputational damage by joining LIV Golf in 2022, but he also severely damaged his chances of representing the United States at the Ryder Cup.
Team USA’s automatic qualifiers make the team a team through FedEx Cup points, which are earned in golf’s four majors and other PGA Tour events. So LIV golfers can only earn qualifying points at majors, meaning DeChambeau only had eight chances (four in 2024 and four this year) to qualify for Bethpage Black last September after not playing in 2023.
“Yeah, it sucked. I wanted to be there. I didn’t play well enough in the majors,” DeChambeau told reporters the day before the Ryder Cup. “I knew what I was up against when I went to LIV. That’s a whole other conversation. But I still wanted to make the team and I didn’t get there.”
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Bryson DeChambeau plays his shot from the first tee of the Ryder Cup at the Black Course at Bethpage State Park Golf Course on September 28, 2025, in Farmingdale, New York. (Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)
However, on his redemption tour, he won the 2024 US Open, finished runner-up in both PGA Championships, and finished three more top 10s. That was enough to not only make the team, but automatically and miraculously qualify. He and Justin Thomas then draped an American flag on their backs as they walked to the first tee as the sun rose over Long Island.
It would have been a wild spectacle three years ago, but it’s no secret that the PGA and its golfers have softened their stance on the Saudi-backed league and those involved in it (DeChambeau and Tommy Fleetwood, as well as Justin Rose, have been testy at Bethpage).
In July 2023, the tours announced that they were in discussions to reach some sort of solution. Rory McIlroy even admitted he had “changed his mind” about those who defected.
“I think there’s a mutual respect of our craft… You know, it’s just a matter of putting that golf ball in the hole, you know? And I think there’s a mutual respect between all of us,” DeChambeau told PK Press Club Digital in a recent interview. “That’s where I feel like, you know, we’ve all gotten to a place where we’re like, ‘OK, you know what? Let’s just keep moving forward. We’ll let the business people figure out the details of the business and we’ll just keep playing golf.'”
Bryson DeChambeau and Rory McIlroy shake hands at Augusta National. Augusta, Georgia. (Erick W. Rasco/Sports Illustrated via Getty Images)
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DeChambeau and Team USA missed the greatest comeback in Ryder Cup history. The two-time US Open champion even fought back from five points after seven holes to halve his match with Matt Fitzpatrick. Despite the loss, DeChambeau made sure not to take the experience for granted.
“Oh, man, it’s a special feeling. I’ve always loved representing Team USA. It’s been fantastic to do that, and we’ve lost and won many times. It’s definitely an emotional roller coaster, but one that I enjoy experiencing every chance I get, and I’ll continue to fight to be a part of these teams as much as possible,” DeChambeau said.
“You never know when it might be your last, right? So you have to appreciate it and respect it. And I think even though, you know, we lost and it was in Bethpage, it was really tough to lose, I still have a lot of respect for being a part of the competition, and I think that’s what I’ll remember most is that I was a part of the competition.”
“I’ll give LIV a thumbs up here, it’s great to prepare to be part of a team. Every tournament I play, I strive to make my team do their best,” he added. “That’s what made me feel like I was prepared for this environment and to give my all for others, not just myself.”
“Keegan [Bradley] “I did a great job as captain, in my opinion,” DeChambeau continued. “You always look back and say, ‘Oh, you could have done this, you could have done that,’ but, man, this guy gave his heart and soul, and that’s what I respect so much about what he did. Because again, it’s not him who ultimately wins or loses the Ryder Cup, it’s us, the players. He’s the one who takes the brunt of it, fairly or unfairly, that’s part of how it happens. unfolds, but I had a great time.”
Bryson DeChambeau and Keegan Bradley on the green of the 18th hole during the Ryder Cup on September 26, 2025, in Farmingdale, New York. (Maddie Meyer/PGA of America/PGA of America via Getty Images)
It has been almost two and a half years since the PGA and LIV announced their intention to enter into an alliance. That hasn’t happened yet and DeChambeau isn’t holding out much hope.
“Man, I would love to see something big happen, but I don’t think it’s going to happen in the immediate future. I think there’s too much wanting on both sides and not enough giving on the other,” DeChambeau said. “We’re just too far apart on a lot of things. It’s going to take time, but ultimately I think golf will grow internationally. Scarcity will become more prevalent, which I think is good for the health and longevity of players. Honestly, for professional sports, scarcity is very important.
“I think the R&A recognizes that, and I think the PGA Tour recognizes that. It’s moving more toward that model. I won’t speak for anyone, but I think there will be improvements for the game over time. It’s a positive disruption, and it’s going to take time to let the water settle and create a perfect scenario where we all end up together. Ultimately, I think it’ll be good for the game over time.”
