Masters 2026: If LIV Golf is really dead, was the 2026 Masters the final nail in its coffin?

On Tuesday night, rumors began to swirl that the end was nigh for LIV Golf . Sources from across golf all sent up the same smoke signal: LIV Golf, as suddenly as it was born, was seemingly dead. We still await official word from LIV leadership and the Saudi Public Investment Fund, but if LIV does go the way of the Dodo Bird before ever getting its wings, it’s hard not to view the 2026 Masters as the final nail in the disruptor league’s coffin.

By all accounts, it was a disastrous showing in Augusta by LIV’s biggest stars, who were expected to come in ready to compete despite the less intense nature of LIV’s schedule and competition. Bryson DeChambeau, the league’s biggest asset and one of the tournament favorites, looked completely lost, firing 76-74 on his way to a missed cut . DeChambeau spoke several times throughout the spring about how YouTube series like 'Break 50' help him to prepare him for the major season.

He even shot an episode of 'Course Record' at Texarkana Country Club (AKA “Little Augusta”) in preparation for the Masters. Clearly, it didn’t work, and with a LIV Golf contract extension still yet to materialize, this year’s Masters may have been yet another cause for pause for DeChambeau. RELATED: Bryson DeChambeau had a wild exchange with a reporter about his 3D printed 5-iron at Augusta National Jon Rahm—who won the 2023 Masters before joining the Saudi-backed tour—fared slightly better than DeChambeau … but only just.

He squeaked into the weekend, but looked wild and inconsistent. A Sunday 68 helped salvaged a T38 finish for the Spainard, but when juxtaposed against his Thursday 78, it only emphasized his erratic play. After his final round, Rahm told reporters he needed to make some changes “preparation-wise.