Brooks’s Exit Muddies Bryson’s Future

In partnership with

Dec 29, 2025 | Edition #243

 👋 Hey Golf Fans,

Three years ago, everyone blamed LIV for fracturing pro golf. Now, with Brooks’s departure, some wonder if his move will fracture LIV from within, especially with Bryson touted as the next to jump ship. Potentially, at least. We'll dive into what Bryson himself said, recap TGL's biggest moments from yesterday, talk about an indoor golf drill, and more.

Onward…

Dilemma

Bryson DeChambeau’s jump to LIV Golf didn’t come as a surprise. He was a pariah of sorts — remember him shouting at Patrick Cantlay on live TV? — before reviving his golf (and PR) game on LIV. And now, considering he’s a two-time major champ, his future matters more than most other pros.

But Brooks’s exit from LIV has created a “unique” situation. When discussing his contract renewal, DeChambeau said it’s “confidential,” and the “conversations are in process.” And also highlighted quite a lot has to “change” and “improve” within LIV.

No surprise, his comments have given everyone pause. What if he’s next after Koepka?Insider sources suggest LIV won’t offer anyone the same amount as last time. Considering Bryson is LIV’s second-most vocal champion (after Phil), and his exit might just turn Yasir Al-Rumayyan’s dream into a nightmare.

But… there is also another side to it.

Brooks bolting from LIV hands Bryson leverage in contract talks he lacked before. He might make it work with LIV. Because a swift PGA Tour return is off the table. He was among the 11 pros suing the Tour over antitrust issues. It’s a markedly different scenario from Koepka’s.

Brooks never became a LIV apostle. Rarely sported his team’s jersey outside LIV tournaments. Never really committed to the franchise model. So, Koepka’s departure might barely register in the grander scheme of things.

But Bryson’s will, and you can be sure Scott O’Neil will try harder to retain him. So as things stand, if Bryson plays his cards right, a lucrative contract isn’t entirely off the table. Or, LIV might just lose its biggest star.


Banish bad ads for good

Your site, your ad choices.

Don’t let intrusive ads ruin the experience for the audience you've worked hard to build.

With Google AdSense, you can ensure only the ads you want appear on your site, making it the strongest and most compelling option.

Don’t just take our word for it. DIY Eule, one of Germany’s largest sewing content creators says, “With Google AdSense, I can customize the placement, amount, and layout of ads on my site.”

Google AdSense gives you full control to customize exactly where you want ads—and where you don't. Use the powerful controls to designate ad-free zones, ensuring a positive user experience.


Raucous

The inaugural match of TGL Season 2 pitted Atlanta Drive against New York Golf Club, last season's finalists. Atlanta won 5-4, and here is a quick recap of the best moments.

King?: Billy Horschel stole the show even before donning the Atlanta jersey. Actually, right at the moment he arrived. Check this comparison between his outfit and this iconic Arnold Palmer picture. Little wonder, Billy Ho was on fire yesterday.

Stinger: Tiger was famous for his stingers—feast your eyes on the best ones here. As a nod to that, TGL created a daunting par-4 called “Stinger,” which demands a low drive under a rock formation to reach the fairway. Yesterday, Xander Schauffele’s tee shot smacked the top and plopped into the water. Billy Horschel laughed, but soon Stinger handed him a reality check of its own. Watch – and tell us, can you do better?

Spirit: Horschel is made-for-TV. Remember this almighty putt from last season that sent Justin Thomas into a frenzy? Nothing changed for Horschel. With Atlanta tied with New York at 4–4 heading into the par-5 final hole, he drained a monster eagle putt to seal the win. Catch the gorgeous putt and Billy’s celebration as the gallery lost its marbles.

Notably, Patrick Cantlay and Lucas Glover withdrew at the last moment. Cantlay issued a statement afterward, which you can read here.

Do You Think TGL Should Make Games Widely Accessible to Watch?

Login or Subscribe to participate in polls.

Saturday’s Results: 74.75% of you said the PGA Tour should simplify the rangefinder rule.

Awareness

Winter is no excuse for not working on your game. Come spring, you surely don’t want to chunk your first shot like this golfer here, right? So, grab your clubs, hit your indoor golf facility (a.k.a. the garage), and try this easy drill from TPI-certified coach Danny Malcolm to ensure your contact remains crisp.

  • Coat your clubface lightly with foot spray. Let it dry, then hit a couple of shots. Notice the ball marks on the clubface.

  • Locate the exact position of your club’s first contact with the ball. Observe the ball flight to understand how that contact impacts the curve and distance.

  • Lastly, draw a centerline on the face. If you're hitting too much on the heel, purposely try to hit it toward the toe (or vice versa). Watch Malcolm demonstrate the technique below.

You can also use masking tape for this drill. It helps build awareness of heel vs. toe contact, which often misleads players. Once done, try these other indoor drills to keep your game sharp.


Charlie Woods’s high school coach refuses to give Tiger any “special treatment.” The veteran coach explains why.


Golf legend receives condolences as he mourns the death of his father and mentor after a lengthy health battle.


Justin Thomas recalls an embarrassing moment with Jordan Spieth that still gives him chills.


Splurge

Did you know that a 2024 study conducted by Stitch Golf showed that an average golfer spent $2,250 yearly? That included green fees, clubs, balls, apparel, and accessories. If that sounds a bit steep, consider what these weekend warriors and wannabe pros spent. It ranges from $3K to $18K and more. Look at the spending habits of fellow golfers here, and tell us who’s going overboard. You or them?

There are some on the opposite side of the spectrum as well. No, not spendthrifts, but those who are earning from golf. Average golfers lose 3-4 balls per round, and yes, some have made a business out of selling those lost golf balls. Care to guess how much they are earning? Well, check out this explainer to find out. 

As they say, one man’s loss is another man’s gain!


Essentially Golf brings you handpicked, well-thought-out, and not-to-be-missed recommendations to make your weekend more fun:

🎥 WatchTitanic: The Digital Resurrection reveals what really happened on that fateful night more than 100 years ago.

🛍 BuyJones Ranger cooler bag features an insulated liner and ample room for six dozen golf balls. Or six icy cold beverages.

👕 WearComfort Cardigan is soft and warm, designed for cozy winter days and festive nights.

⛳ Play  The Shoe Course is the perfect course to play this winter on a budget.

🤌UnwindWhisky Hot Chocolate will warm you up on a winter’s evening like a good, hearty Dad joke.

Did You Enjoy Today’s Newsletter?

Login or Subscribe to participate in polls.