LIV Golf has reportedly informed its biggest names – including Dustin Johnson, Brooks Koepka, Bryson DeChambeau, and Jon Rahm – that the era of massive upfront payments is over when it comes to renewing contracts, according to Golfweek’s Eamon Lynch.
As several player contracts near their end, most notably two-time major winner and 4Aces GC captain Dustin Johnson, LIV’s new stance marks a significant shift in its recruitment and retention strategy. Johnson, who joined the Saudi-backed league in 2022 for a reported $200 million, has hinted at stepping away from the sport to focus on family, casting doubt on whether he’ll extend his deal.
Koepka and DeChambeau, both major champions who joined in 2022 with deals around $125 million each, are signed through 2026. Meanwhile, Jon Rahm – who made headlines last year with a record-breaking $450 million deal – still has several years left on his contract and won’t be affected by the new policy for some time.
Sources indicate the decision to halt large signing bonuses came from the top of the Public Investment Fund (PIF), which bankrolls LIV Golf. This change significantly narrows the financial gap between LIV and the PGA Tour, particularly with both tours now offering similar prize pools around $20 million per event.
The policy shift may force several LIV stars to reconsider their futures, especially given LIV’s continued lack of Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) points and Ryder Cup eligibility – advantages still held by the PGA Tour.
As Lynch notes, “DeChambeau and Koepka can walk away in 2026 if they wish. Only Rahm has a lengthy term ahead. LIV told its stars that any contract renewals won’t repeat the huge upfront payments that first lured them, so the earnings gap has narrowed significantly, at least for those who are competitively relevant.”
PGA Tour World No.1 Scottie Scheffler recently addressed the ongoing LIV-PGA divide, stating, “We had a tour where we all played together, and the guys that left – it’s their responsibility to bring the tours back together.”
With no finalized agreement yet between the PGA Tour and PIF, the door could soon be open for high-profile returns. As Lynch concludes, “If all the PGA Tour wants by way of reunification is the return of the few men who matter, then it can simply wait until they’re contractually free — and do what Scottie suggested: go ask ’em.”
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