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Not only did Bryson DeChambeau risk a blow to his reputation by switching to LIV Golf in 2022, but he seriously spoiled his chances of representing the United States in the Ryder Cup.
Team USA’s automatic qualifiers are made through FedEx Cup points earned in golf’s four majors and other PGA Tour events. Thus, LIV golfers are only able to earn qualifying points in the majors, meaning DeChambeau had just eight chances (four in 2024 and four this year) to qualify for the Bethpage Black last September after not playing in 2023.
“Yeah, it was sad. I wanted to be there. Didn’t play well enough in the majors,” DeChambeau told reporters on Ryder Cup night. “Knew what I was up against when I went to LIV. It’s a whole other conversation. But still wanted to be on the team and wasn’t able to.”
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Bryson DeChambeau plays his shot from the first tee of the Ryder Cup on the Black Course at Bethpage State Park Golf Course on September 28, 2025 in Farmingdale, New York. (Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)
On his redemption tour, he won the 2024 US Open, was runner-up in both PGA Championships and had three other top-10 finishes. It was probably not just to get him on the team, but to miraculously automatically qualify. He and Justin Thomas then draped an American flag over their backs as they walked to the first tee as the sun rose on Long Island.
It would have been a wild sight 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, along with Justin Rose, were tested at Bethpage).
In July 2023, the tours announced that they were in discussions to come to some form. Rory McIlroy even admitted he “changed my tune” on the bouncers.
“I think there’s a mutual respect for our craft… You know, it’s just a matter of putting the golf ball in the hole, you know? And I think there’s a mutual respect among all of us,” DeChambeau told Pakinomist Digital in a recent interview. “So that’s where I feel like, you know, we’ve all gone to a place where we’re like, ‘OK, you know what? Let’s just keep going. We’ll let the business people figure out the business details 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 came up just short of the greatest comeback in Ryder Cup history. The two-time US Open champion even battled back from five down 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 great to do it, and we’ve lost and won on numerous occasions. It’s definitely an emotional roller coaster, but one that I love to experience every time I get the chance, and I’m going to continue to fight to be on those teams as long as I can,” DeChambeau said.
“You never know when it might be your last, right? So you have to appreciate and respect that. And I think even though, you know, we lost and it was at Bethpage, it was a really tough one 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 the most is that I was a part of the competition.”
“I’m going to throw LIV a bone here, it’s great to be prepared to be on a team. Every tournament I play I’m betting on my team to do the best they possibly can,” he added. “That’s what made me feel like I’m prepared for this environment and give my all for others, not just myself.”
“Keegan [Bradley] did a great job as a captain, in my opinion,” continued DeChambeau. “You always look back and say, ‘Oh, you could have done this, could have done that,’ but dude, 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 players. He gets the hang of it, fair or unfair, that’s part of how it plays out. But I had a great time.”
Bryson DeChambeau and Keegan Bradley on the 18th green 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 plans for an alliance. That hasn’t happened yet, and DeChambeau doesn’t hold out much hope.
“Man, I wish something big would 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 some time, but ultimately I think the game of golf will grow internationally. Scarcity will become more prevalent, which I think is good for the health and longevity of the players. Honestly, for the professional sport, scarcity is very important.
“I think the R&A recognizes that and I think the PGA Tour recognizes that. It’s moving more towards that model. I don’t want to speak for anyone, but I think there will be improvements for the game as time goes on. 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 come back together. Ultimately, I think the time is good for the game.”
