As the Ryder Cup approaches in late September at Bethpage Black, Bryson DeChambeau finds himself preparing independently, unable to join his American teammates at the Procore Championship in Napa. This situation has caused frustration for Team USA captain Keegan Bradley, who believes the Ryder Cup should transcend ongoing conflicts between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf.
DeChambeau’s absence stems from his suspension from the PGA Tour after joining LIV Golf, which still bars him from participating in official Tour events. Meanwhile, top American players like Scottie Scheffler and Xander Schauffele plan to compete in Napa to hone their games ahead of the Ryder Cup, leaving DeChambeau sidelined from this group preparation.
Bradley’s Reaction to DeChambeau’s Exclusion from Official Events
Keegan Bradley expressed his disappointment at the situation during the BMW Championship, acknowledging his lack of control over the suspension but emphasizing his hope the Ryder Cup would be viewed as more significant than tour politics.
“And that’s out of my control.”
—Keegan Bradley, Team USA Captain
“I thought that the Ryder Cup sort of transcends all of this. And really, the last thing on my mind is the PGA Tour-LIV stuff.”
—Keegan Bradley, Team USA Captain
Despite the suspension rules, DeChambeau’s career remains strong. Since joining LIV Golf in 2022, he has demonstrated notable improvement, including his victory at the 2024 U.S. Open at Pinehurst and steady performances in major championships such as a comeback top-10 finish at The Open Championship in Royal Portrush. These accomplishments reinforce his status as a legitimate Ryder Cup contender.
However, the PGA Tour continues to uphold suspensions for LIV players, including DeChambeau, who reportedly signed a $125 million contract to join the Saudi-backed league. Although there has been a framework agreement between the Tour and the Saudi Public Investment Fund, no exceptions have been made for LIV players to participate in official Tour events like the Procore Championship.
Determining DeChambeau’s Role in the Ryder Cup Team
Although DeChambeau will not accumulate points from Tour events due to his suspension, he is widely expected to be selected as one of Bradley’s captain’s picks for the Ryder Cup team. Bradley has confirmed this, but questions remain about how DeChambeau will fit within the team’s dynamics, especially during the opening rounds of the competition.
DeChambeau’s performance history in the Ryder Cup shows mixed results: a disappointing 0-3-0 record in his 2018 debut contrasts with a solid 2-0-1 showing in 2021. His exceptional driving distance and aggressive playing style could offer valuable advantages, but integrating him with other players and developing effective pairings will be vital to maximizing his contributions.
Efforts to bridge divisions between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf appear to be underway. Both DeChambeau and fellow LIV player Brooks Koepka participated in a Ryder Cup team dinner before the PGA Championship, signaling attempts to unite players despite organizational tensions.
“I think this goes to what Keegan Bradley has made clear on numerous occasions, that he’s taking the politics out of this,”
stated golf analyst Rex Hoggard.
“He wants the best 12 players to win the Ryder Cup. He’s not going to get bogged down in the optics of what looks right and what doesn’t, and I think the game has moved on from that. The first time it happened, it was probably a little awkward, a little uncomfortable int he team room … I don’t think we’re there anymore.”
—Rex Hoggard, Golf Channel Analyst
Challenges Remain as Tour Policies Keep LIV Players on the Sidelines
Despite the players’ willingness to move beyond division, the PGA Tour’s strict policies continue to prevent LIV players from joining official events and team preparations. As a result, DeChambeau must carry on with isolated training without the benefit of competing alongside his Ryder Cup teammates in Napa, adding uncertainty to his readiness heading into the event at Long Island.
The situation highlights ongoing tensions in professional golf as the Ryder Cup draws near, forcing captains and players to navigate politics while striving for team unity. How effectively Bradley can integrate DeChambeau and other LIV players into the team could significantly impact the United States’ chances in this highly anticipated competition.