In between small talk about whether to choose LIV for $500 million or the PGA Tour as a legacy. bryson dechambeau He has a clear goal of becoming a major. His visit to Augusta National a few months before the 2026 Masters made it clear that this is where his true competitive focus lies.
According to knuckler golf At X, Bryson DeChambeau’s Masters preparations have already begun. The two-time U.S. Open champion took a scouting trip to Augusta National on Jan. 3 with caddy Greg Bodine. They worked with local caddies to survey the greens, check wind patterns and assess course conditions. DeChambeau believes this early preparation is key to sharpening his mental game and improving his iron play.
advertisement
The early arrival reflects DeChambeau’s ambition, and his past two Masters performances prove he has cracked the Augusta code. In 2024, he shot a 7-under 65 in the first round to take the lead. In the end, he tied for 6th place with 2 under. It was his first top 10 finish at Augusta. The 2025 Masters proved his rise wasn’t a stroke of luck. He finished tied for 5th place with 7 under.
DeChambeau has won the U.S. Open twice, but winning the Masters is a career milestone he has wanted since he was a junior.
“I’ve always wanted to win the Masters, and it goes back to my amateur days and even before that, as a junior watching Tiger win. His tip-in on 16 in 2005 really convinced me of that,” DeChambeau said last year. “I thought, ‘Okay, this is an event I want to be a part of.’ When I first saw Augusta and experienced the people there and the pro shop, they were just amazing.”
advertisement
For those who don’t remember Tiger Woods’ iconic chip-in on the 16th hole of the 2005 Masters, the golfer miraculously shot from off the green and used the slope to drop the ball into the cup for a birdie. That shot cemented DeChambeau’s desire to become a Masters winner, and he has continued to pursue that dream ever since.
“I love coming back to Augusta every year and I truly believe that one day I can make it there. It’s just a matter of time. It’s just a matter of continuing to work hard and learning from my mistakes,” the 2023 U.S. Open champion said.
Augusta requires precision and strategic thinking along with an analytical approach. Once the competition begins, every green slope, every wind pattern, every change in surface becomes important. His trip in early January shows he’s not leaving anything to chance in his pursuit of the Green Jacket. This isn’t the first time DeChambeau has gone to Augusta early to check on the situation. I also went to Augusta on January 6th last year before heading to Hong Kong. He had a little practice round.
For now, DeChambeau retains his exemption to play in the majors, and it’s clear he intends to make the most of it. He doesn’t let the drama of LIV Golf distract him from what’s important. Off the greens at Augusta, DeChambeau operates in a position of power that is changing the way elite golfers think about their careers.
advertisement
How Bryson DeChambeau is redefining player power
What Bryson DeChambeau Holds The Athletic “This is a one-on-one power position that is probably unprecedented in the world of sports.” DeChambeau has clear leverage as LIV Golf and the PGA Tour both need him for their own reasons (viewership and fan engagement). The timing couldn’t have been better for him as he negotiates a $500 million contract with LIV.
DeChambeau’s LIV golf contract expires after the 2026 season, and as DJ Pihowski pointed out in an article, Layup prohibited Podcast, “Bryson is probably in the most unique position…he’s the only one who’s moving the needle at all.” With Brooks Koepka parting ways with LIV in December and the league facing increasing challenges, DeChambeau’s value will only increase.
Back in 2024, DeChambeau and LIV had a contract dispute over his personal media rights, specifically his YouTube channel. This was revealed by a person familiar with LIV’s transactions. Although ultimately resolved, the dispute highlighted deeper issues of control and independence. His YouTube channel has 2.6 million subscribers, and he has an additional 6.4 million followers on Instagram and TikTok combined. The golfer publicly described YouTube as an “incredibly viable option.”
advertisement
On the other hand, his business partnership has been a major hindrance to his PGA Tour career. DeChambeau became the first professional athlete to partner with Calci, a prediction market platform that is explicitly prohibited by the Tour. He is also working with Underdog Fantasy, which requires special approval from the gambling platform.
The LIV Golf 2026 season begins on February 4 in Riyadh. Now we can learn more about Bryson DeChambeau’s plans for this year.
The post Unexpected Bryson DeChambeau Transfer Shows Clear Priorities Ahead of LIV Golf Season appeared first on EssentiallySports.
