Rory McIlroy says Bryson DeChambeau is running out of places to play competitive golf, delivering the assessment Tuesday ahead of the DP World Tour Championship in Dubai.
With LIV Golf shutting down, DeChambeau’s only route to competitive golf in 2027 would be joining the DP World Tour. There is currently no clear path back to the PGA Tour for him next season.
Asked about the possibility of DeChambeau joining the European circuit, McIlroy acknowledged it would raise the tour’s profile, then added a pointed assessment of DeChambeau’s situation.
“Yeah, look, I think a name like Bryson DeChambeau and everything he brings with him, good and bad — he brings eyeballs, which is a good thing for tournaments,” McIlroy said. “And honestly, look, I’m certainly not in his shoes, and nor would I ever want to be, but it doesn’t seem like he’s got many options. You know, if he wants to play competitive golf, it doesn’t seem like he’s got many options.”
McIlroy previously said he was “not a fan” of DeChambeau during this past July’s Open. The two have clashed repeatedly on golf’s biggest stages, with DeChambeau beating McIlroy at the 2024 U.S. Open and McIlroy answering back by winning the 2025 Masters, his first green jacket.
Players have until Nov. 16 to commit to the DP World Tour for next season. DeChambeau issued a statement on LIV Golf’s closure but gave no indication of his plans going forward.
DeChambeau, 33, is exempt into all four major championships through 2029 under his 2024 U.S. Open win, leaving open the possibility he focuses on his YouTube channel while competing only in the majors.
