LIV Golf's payment structure is shifting, and it's putting top players like Brooks Koepka, Bryson DeChambeau and others in a tough spot.Back in 2022, when the Saudi-backed LIV Golf emerged, speculation swirled that players were joining solely for the money. Many were open about it, while others argued that their move was to take the game to a global platform.Meanwhile, Phil Mickelson and others criticized the PGA Tour's bias, but regardless of the reasoning, LIV's financial backing was something to behold.According to reports, Phil Mickelson and LIV's five highest-paid players were handed a combined $675 million to leave the PGA Tour.But that won't be the case moving forward with LIV Golf's new contract renewal decision.LIV Golfers' contract renewals will not include up-front payAs per NUCLR Golf's recent post on X, Scott O'Neil's league has announced that contract renewals will no longer include large upfront payments.The caption read: "The LIV Golf league has told its players that contract renewals will not include large up-front payments that were given upon initially signing."While this is standard practice in sports, where re-signing doesn't come with another signing bonus, it's still a major shift for LIV's top players.And it comes at a critical time.Bryson DeChambeau, one of LIV's biggest stars, reportedly received $125 million when he left the PGA Tour. His contract, along with Brooks Koepka's, is set to expire at the end of 2026, while Dustin Johnson's deal ends this year.Rumors have been flying that Koepka and DeChambeau were considering a return to the PGA Tour. While DeChambeau later confirmed he's staying with LIV, the lack of OWGR points remains a major concern for many players.LIV Golf has struggled with OWGR recognition since Greg Norman's tenure, and it's had a direct impact on rankings. Even Dustin Johnson, once a dominant force, has rolled down to 594th due to the lack of OWGR points.If that wasn't enough, LIV Golf recently secured $5 billion in funding, yet it continues to struggle with viewership, even after partnering with FOX Sports.While players like DeChambeau and Koepka have expressed optimism about LIV's future, the league's growth still lags behind the PGA Tour, especially after failed merger talks with PIF, despite President Donald Trump's involvement.More Golf: Rory McIlroy 'Put Fuel to the Fire' amid PGA Championship Controversy