Bryson DeChambeau expects to renew his deal with LIV but has hinted that the breakaway league will need to stump up a major offer to keep him, saying: ‘I know my worth.’
The American, who is defending his US Open title this week, disclosed that negotiations will commence with LIV at the end of the year, with his existing deal due to expire at the conclusion of the 2026 season.
He was one of the marquee players when he signed for in excess of $100million in 2022, but his stock has risen dramatically in the past three years.
In addition to his victory at Pinehurst last summer, he has amassed more than two million subscribers in his moonlighting as an immensely popular golf influencer.
Owing to his friendship with President Donald Trump, DeChambeau has emerged as arguably the most recognized figure in the game outside of Tiger Woods. For LIV to retain him will be crucial to the Saudi-backed league at a point when a merger talks with the PGA Tour have gone cold.
Bryson DeChambeau was all smiles as he discussed upcoming contract talks with LIV
DeChambeau’s stock continues to rise and he is one of the best golfers on the planet
‘Next year is when it ends,’ DeChambeau said on Tuesday. ‘We’re looking to negotiate end of this year, and I’m very excited. They see the value in me. I see the value in what they can provide, and I believe we’ll come to some sort of resolution on that.
‘I am super excited for the future. I think that LIV is not going anywhere.
‘How it all works with the game of golf, who knows, but I know my worth. I know what LIV brings to the table. And I’m excited for the future of what golf is going to be.’
DeChambeau is tipped to be among the prime contenders at Oakmont this week and has not finished outside the top five in his past four LIV starts, including a win in Korea last month. He also tied for second at the PGA Championship and was fifth at the Masters.
DeChambeau’s ongoing friendship with Donald Trump has only helped increase his popularity
DeChambeau celebrates with his Crushers GC teammates after winning LIV Golf Virginia
The only issue in his game has been his wedge play, which prompted him to seek solace in the laboratory after the PGA Championship in pursuit of a new high-science ball design.
While that mission is still in the testing phase, golf’s most quirky innovator will be playing here with a new brand of custom-made irons. Characteristically, he described them in terms of ‘mass properties’ in the heel and toe that flew over the heads of most in the room.
On the challenge of playing Oakmont, DeChambeau was clearer: ‘I think everybody knows this is probably the toughest golf course in the world right now, and you have to hit the fairways, you have to hit greens, and you have to two-putt, worst-case scenario.
‘When you’ve got those putts inside 10 feet, you’ve got to make them. It’s a great test of golf. I’m looking forward to it. I’m sure everybody else is. I think the person that wins this week is going to hit a lot of fairways and make a lot of putts.’
