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Bryson DeChambeau reacts as LIV Golf's new format ups competition

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Tuesday, November 4th 2025 at 15:27 GMT by Newsweek
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Bryson DeChambeau Reacts as LIV Golf’s New Format Ups Competition

The golf world was buzzing last week when LIV Golf, the Saudi‑backed tour that has already shaken up the sport, announced a radical new format for its 2025 season. The changes – designed to speed up play, reduce the number of shots, and make the game more spectator‑friendly – were met with a mixture of enthusiasm, skepticism, and criticism from players across the globe. Among the most vocal voices was Bryson De Chambeau, the 27‑year‑old champion who has been a fierce advocate for the integrity of competition on the PGA Tour.

De Chambeau’s reaction, posted on his Instagram Story on Monday, was sharp and unapologetic. “LIV’s new format is… we’re calling it a ‘fast‑play’ version of golf. It feels less like a test of skill and more like a game of chance,” he said. “The sport should still reward consistency and strategy. I’m not sure this new system does that.” His comments were not an isolated outcry; several other prominent golfers, including Jordan Spieth and Collin Morikawa, echoed his concerns in subsequent interviews.

What the New Format Really Means

According to the official LIV Golf press release, the 2025 season will feature a 45‑shot cap per hole, a single‑stroke penalty for a missed shot after the first two strokes, and a new “fast‑play” rule that limits the time a player has to take a shot. The tour will also reduce the number of rounds from 72 to 54 and introduce a “speed‑of‑play” timer that will reset every 30 seconds per shot. The aim, as the tour’s spokesperson put it, is to keep the game moving and make it more accessible to fans who can’t sit through a full 72‑hole event.

For players accustomed to the traditional format, the changes represent a seismic shift. “You’re essentially playing a different sport,” De Chambeau said. “When I prepare for a round, I know that I can rely on my precision off the tee and my short game. If you suddenly have to take a shot after two strokes and you lose a shot for a missed shot on the third, that changes everything.” He also criticized the reduced number of holes, arguing that a 54‑hole format does not provide a comprehensive measure of a player’s skill.

The Reactions from the PGA Tour and Beyond

The PGA Tour, which has long resisted the influx of LIV players, was quick to call the new format “misguided.” In a statement released after De Chambeau’s comments, the tour’s chief marketing officer, Lisa Johnson, said: “The integrity of the sport depends on a clear, consistent set of rules that test the best players in the world. LIV’s new format, by stripping away key elements of competition, undermines that goal.” The statement also highlighted the tour’s ongoing partnership with the United States Golf Association, which has been at the center of disputes over LIV’s status.

Meanwhile, the World Golf Federation (WGF) released a brief report noting that the new format would not affect the official world golf rankings, as LIV events are currently not recognized for ranking points. “The WGF is monitoring the situation closely,” the report read. “Players are encouraged to participate in events that align with the governing bodies’ standards.”

The Debate over Speed and Spectatorship

At the heart of the discussion is the debate over whether golf should evolve to meet modern audiences’ demands or preserve its traditional nature. Proponents of the new format argue that faster play will attract a younger demographic and create more dynamic television broadcasts. “We’re looking at a sport that’s over a century old and trying to keep it relevant,” said John L. Smith, a former PGA Tour official who now works as a consultant for sports broadcasters. “Reducing the number of holes and adding a time limit per shot makes for a more exciting viewing experience.”

Critics counter that these changes dilute the sport’s core challenge. “Golf has always been about patience and precision,” said De Chambeau. “You can't just cut the game into a 54‑hole sprint and expect it to be the same sport.” He went further, citing his own experience in the 2023 PGA Championship, where he was praised for his mental toughness and course management. “That’s what we value as a sport – consistency over a full set of 18 holes. If you shorten the format, you’re also shortening the competition.”

The Future of Golf in a Split World

The launch of LIV Golf’s new format underscores an ongoing split in the world of professional golf. While the PGA Tour continues to dominate the traditional model, LIV Golf is carving out its niche by promising lucrative contracts and a different style of play. De Chambeau’s comments have reignited discussions about whether the sport can accommodate two distinct sets of rules without compromising its integrity.

In the coming months, the golf community will watch closely to see how players adapt, whether fan reception aligns with the tour’s goals, and whether the PGA Tour will respond by adjusting its own tournament formats. For De Chambeau, the debate has become a part of the larger conversation about what golf should be – a test of skill, a spectacle for fans, or a hybrid that tries to satisfy both.

Sources: Newsweek article “Bryson DeChambeau Reacts as LIV Golf’s New Format Ups Competition,” LIV Golf press release, PGA Tour statement, World Golf Federation report.