Lee Westwood and Ian Poulter SLAM Reports of Bryson DeChambeau Leaving LIV Golf

Bryson DeChambeau is currently contracted with LIV Golf through the 2026 season.

Lee Westwood and Ian Poulter SLAM Reports of Bryson DeChambeau Leaving LIV Golf

Lee Westwood, Bryson DeChambeau and Ian Poulter (Image via ESPN/People)

In the past few days, LIV Golf has been in the spotlight following several reports regarding its future. Amidst this, a staggering report regarding Bryson DeChambeau leaving LIV Golf came out on Monday. Lee Westwood and Ian Poulter later hit back at this.

Following the Masters Tournament, a report from The Financial Times sent shockwaves across the golf community. It expressed that the Public Investment Fund (PIF), the sovereign wealth fund of Saudi Arabia that backs LIV Golf, was on the verge of cutting the funds and pulling the plug on the breakaway tour.

Since then, there have been several speculations regarding the future of the tour. While CEO Scott O’Neil has talked about structural changes in the future, the 2026 season is expected to go as planned without any interruptions.

On Monday, DeChambeau found his name in the headlines following a report from The Athletic. As per Brody Miller, the 2-time major champion and his team spent a part of the Masters week meeting with organizers and exploring possible options if he were ever to leave them.

DeChambeau is one of the biggest names on LIV Golf. In February 2025, a report claimed that he was returning to the PGA Tour in 2026 after the Saudi-backed league declined a $280 million contract extension. This report was later debunked as his contract runs through the 2026 season.

The golfer has expressed his desire to remain with the league and shown confidence in the project of LIV Golf. With his name being linked with an exit on Monday, LIV golfers Lee Westwood and Ian Poulter hit back.

While replying to the post on X of NUCLRGOLF, Westwood dropped a 7-word message.

Must be Monday. New week, new bull****.

Lee Westwood on X regarding reports of Bryson DeChambeau leaving LIV Golf

Westwood’s Majesticks GC teammate Poulter later joined him. The 3-time PGA Tour winner expressed it was “such a shame” and “disappointing” to see such reports.

It’s simply staggering the amount of bull**** that pours out daily. Such a shame and disappointing. I guess it will make for a good book one day.

Ian Poulter on X regarding reports of Bryson DeChambeau

DeChambeau did have a chance to leave LIV Golf and come back to the PGA Tour earlier this year. Following the exit of Brooks Koepka, the PGA Tour introduced the Returning Members Program, a one-time window that would have allowed him to return.

As per this program, a golfer who had won The Players Championship or any one of the 4 majors from 2022 and had been away for more than 2 years could have returned. The American international met this criterion through his victory at the 2024 U.S. Open.

However, he snubbed this chance. During a press conference at LIV Golf Media Day in January, the Crushers GC captain claimed he was contracted through 2026 and was excited for the year. Apart from him, Jon Rahm and Cameron Smith also declined to leave and use this window to return to the PGA Tour.

Bryson DeChambeau recently withdrew from LIV Golf Mexico event following a wrist injury

As reports regarding LIV Golf’s future flooded in, several eyes were on the LIV Golf Mexico event. In this, Bryson DeChambeau withdrew from the event due to a wrist injury.

Bryson DeChambeau
Bryson DeChambeau (Image via X/@GolfDigest)

The golfer, who went back-to-back in his previous two starts, came into this event on the back of a disappointing performance at the Masters Tournament. In the first round, he fired a 4-over par score as he struggled at the 11th hole at Augusta National.

He seemed to be on his way to making the cut. However, a triple bogey on the 18th hole saw him slip below the cutline. He thus missed the cut by 2 strokes, finishing 6-over par.

A few days after this major setback, he fired two straight rounds of even par. On Saturday, he posted a 2-over par score and seemed to be struggling with his wrist. He later took to his social media accounts to reveal the extent of his injury and announce his withdrawal from the tournament.

The 32-year-old is hoping to be ready for the LIV Golf Virginia event. This event will be held at the Trump National Golf Club in Washington, D.C., from May 7 to May 10, one week before the 2026 PGA Championship at Aronimink Golf Club in Newtown Square, Pennsylvania.

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