Former Ryder Cup captain Paul McGinley believes Bryson DeChambeau needs to return to traditional golf tours to boost his major championship ambitions. DeChambeau’s competitive future remains uncertain following the liquidation of LIV Golf, with no immediate pathway back to the PGA Tour.
Uncertain Future and YouTube Golf Risks
DeChambeau previously stated he would focus on YouTube golf and play tournaments that wanted him if LIV Golf failed. Speaking on the Sky Sports Golf podcast, told SkySports, McGinley addressed the possibility of YouTube golf becoming the American’s main focus.
McGinley told the Sky Sports Golf podcast: “You never know with Bryson, but I can see it. It would be a dumb move, to go from playing YouTube golf to trying to compete in majors.” He added that staying away from traditional platforms reduces a player’s chances of winning majors because regular competition on the PGA Tour and DP World Tour is necessary preparation.
McGinley explained that competing in fun golf or LIV Golf makes stepping up against the best players in the world too difficult. He noted that DeChambeau could become a factor in majors again if he eventually returns to the DP World Tour or PGA Tour, but not from playing YouTube golf or LIV.
DeChambeau won the 2024 US Open and posted three top-10 finishes in majors the following year, but missed the cut in the first three majors of 2026. McGinley noted that while players who moved to LIV were initially competitive in majors, they became increasingly disconnected from the top of leaderboards the longer they stayed.
DP World Tour Return and Balancing Act
DeChambeau is eligible to apply for DP World Tour membership for the 2027 season as a recent major champion, facing a November 15 deadline to confirm his position. Sergio Garcia is also among those intending to return to the European circuit, a move that has caused unhappiness among some existing members.
McGinley questioned whether returning players would add value to the tour’s business model or attract sponsors. He stated that DP World Tour chief executive Guy Kinnings faces a strong position regarding tournament invites but must carefully balance the interests of returning players with loyal members who have played the tour for years, alongside young players coming through Q-school.
Meanwhile, the Financial Times reported that BC Partners are reviving efforts to create a LIV Golf successor by acquiring the PIF’s bankruptcy loan. McGinley described LIV Golf as being in its dying embers while acknowledging rumors that a potential third iteration might emerge, adding that he remains skeptical about future developments due to past actions.
