Bryson DeChambeau could confront stricter penalties if he seeks a PGA Tour return, Webb Simpson warned on the Sliced podcast on 5 July 2026, highlighting the tougher path compared with Brooks Koepka’s 2024 comeback.
What did Webb Simpson say?
Simpson, a 2023 PGA Tour champion, told listeners that the PGA’s Returning Member Program that helped Koepka re‑enter the tour “was probably about right” but warned DeChambeau and Jon Rahm that “the window is closing.” He noted that the league’s new structure, with the Public Investment Fund pulling out at season’s end, will reshape LIV Golf and its players’ options.
Why the penalties could be harsher for DeChambeau
The former world‑number‑one left the PGA Tour for LIV in 2022 and has since become an equity owner in the Saudi‑backed league. Simpson explained that equity ownership may trigger “harsher penalties” than the $5 million charity donation and FedEx Cup ban Koepka faced. He added that the PGA Tour will likely craft “creative ways” to grant eligibility, but the process won’t be as smooth as Koepka’s.
How the Returning Member Program works
The program, unveiled by PGA Tour chief Brian Rolapp earlier this year, allowed Koepka to return after meeting specific criteria, including a charitable contribution and a ban from signature events until he earned his place back. Only three other players—Cameron Smith, Brooks Koepka and one unnamed golfer—qualified, yet all chose to stay with LIV. Simpson suggested that DeChambeau’s agents are already “having many conversations” with Rolapp and the board about possible routes.
What this means for DeChambeau’s future
If DeChambeau decides to leave LIV, he may need to accept a longer waiting period and possibly forfeit entry into majors until he meets the new standards. Simpson emphasized that while the PGA Tour isn’t “desperate” for any single player, having DeChambeau back would benefit the brand. He also hinted that Rahm’s path might be smoother, given the Spaniard’s earlier public statements about staying with the PGA Tour.
What’s next for LIV and the PGA Tour?
The Public Investment Fund’s planned exit at the end of the 2026 season signals a major shift for LIV Golf. Without that backing, the league could look “drastically different” in 2027, according to Simpson. Players like DeChambeau will have to weigh the uncertainty of LIV’s future against the stricter re‑entry rules on the PGA side.
How fans can follow the story
Stay tuned to the Sliced podcast and PGA Tour announcements for any updates on the Returning Member criteria. DeChambeau’s next move will likely be discussed in upcoming press conferences with his management team, and any official statement from the PGA Tour will clarify the exact penalties he may face.