DeChambeau, Rahm, Cam Smith decline to leave LIV and rejoin PGA Tour ... for now

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In the wake of Brooks Koepka's re-defection from LIV Golf to the PGA Tour, the Tour has created a very narrowly drawn pathway for certain star players to return without an extended waiting period. But if the three players designated by the Tour as return candidates are to be believed, Koepka will be the only one leaving the breakway tour. 

The PGA Tour's newly-created "Returning Member Program" offers a pathway for specific players — major and Players Championship winners between 2022 and 2025 — to jump directly back onto the Tour. That designation includes only four players: Kopeka, Bryson DeChambeau, Jon Rahm and Cam Smith. 

Speaking on Wednesday at LIV's preseason press event, Rahm and DeChambeau appeared to distance themselves from the possibility of leaving for 

 "I'm contracted through 2026," DeChambeau said, "so I'm excited about this year."

"I'm not going anywhere," Rahm added. "Focused on the league and my team this year."

Smith also indicated he wouldn't be rejoining the PGA Tour. “I made a decision to come here," Smith said, "and I stand by it.”

DeChambeau left himself a bit more wiggle room, particularly in regard to next season. “Whether I’m here or not next year," he told Today's Golfer this week. "I’m excited for this year, playing and competing with some of the best players in the world, competing in the majors, and then giving it my all every single week I tee it up, no matter where I’m at.”

On his Instagram story Tuesday, DeChambeau posted an image of himself looking confused, asking "What would you do?" and posed next to an "Exit" sign. 

All three players have until Feb. 2 to make their decision before the "Returning Member Program" option expires.