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Bryson DeChambeau not only risked a blow to his reputation by moving to LIV Golf in 2022, but he also severely depleted his chances of representing the United States in the Ryder Cup.
Team USA’s automatic qualifiers make the team through FedEx Cup points, which are earned in golf’s four major tournaments and other PGA Tour events. Therefore, LIV golfers can only earn ranking points in the majors, meaning DeChambeau had just eight opportunities (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 on the eve of 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 couldn’t.”
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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)
However, on his redemption tour he won the 2024 US Open, finished second in both PGA Championships and had three other top-10 finishes. That was enough to not only add him to the team but also miraculously automatically qualify. Then, he and Justin Thomas covered their backs with an American flag as they walked to the first tee as the sun rose on Long Island.
That would have been a far-fetched view 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, chafed at Bethpage).
In July 2023, the tours announced that they were in talks to reach some kind of breaking point. Rory McIlroy even admitted he “changed his mind” about those who defected.
“I think there’s a mutual respect for 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 Pak Gazette Digital in a recent interview. “So that’s where I feel like we’ve all gotten to a place where we’re like, ‘Okay, you know what? Let’s move on. We’ll let the entrepreneurs 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 nearly pulled off the biggest comeback in Ryder Cup history. The two-time US Open champion even rallied 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 numerous times. It’s definitely an emotional roller coaster, but I love experimenting every chance I get, and I’ll continue to strive to be on those teams as much as I can,” DeChambeau said.
“You never know when it might be your last one, right? So you have to appreciate it and respect it. And I think even though we lost and it was at Bethpage, it was very difficult to lose, I still have a lot of respect for being part of the competition, and I think that’s what I’ll remember the most: that I was part of the competition.”
“I’m going to give LIV a slam here, it’s great to be prepared to be on a team. Every tournament I play, I look for my team to do the best they can,” he added. “That’s what made me feel like I’m prepared for this environment and giving everything for others, not just for myself.”
“keegan [Bradley] “In my opinion, I did a great job as captain,” 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 takes the brunt of it, fair or unfair, it’s part of how he presents himself. 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’s been nearly two and a half years since the PGA and LIV announced plans for a partnership. It hasn’t happened yet, and DeChambeau doesn’t have much hope.
“Man, I wish something big would happen, but I don’t think it’s going to happen anytime soon. I think there’s too many wishes on both sides and not enough donations on the other,” DeChambeau said. “We are too far apart on many things. It will take some time, but ultimately I think golf will grow internationally. Shortages will be more frequent, which I think is good for the health and longevity of the players. Honestly, for professional sports, shortages are very important.
“I think the R&A recognizes that, and I think the PGA Tour recognizes that. They are moving more towards that model. I won’t speak for anyone, but I think there will be improvements for the game as time goes on. It’s a positive disruption, and it will take time to let the dust settle and create a perfect scenario where we all get back together. Ultimately, I think it will be good for the game over time.”
