Bryson DeChambeau remains optimistic on future of LIV Golf
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American golfer Bryson DeChambeau says LIV Golf players remain optimistic that the league will have a business plan which makes sense for team golf.
PHOTO: REUTERS
LOS ANGELES – Bryson DeChambeau admitted that several LIV golfers were caught off guard after Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) announced in April its financial commitment will end at the end of the 2026 season in August.
“We were surprised that they pulled out as quickly as they did,” the 32-year-old said on May 26, two days before the start of LIV Golf Korea.
“We didn’t really see that coming, but that’s okay. One door closes, another opens.
“I think that’s the way a lot of us are looking at it.
“I think we all have optimism that there is a business plan that makes sense for team golf.
“I’d quite honestly, actually – how do I say it? I’m very optimistic with the business plan of team golf compared to other models, in my opinion.”
According to Sportico and CNBC, LIV Golf is pitching a reduced 10-event international schedule to potential investors.
The league is reportedly seeking US$250 million (S$319.2 million) to US$350 million in funding to continue operations beyond 2026.
The reports said LIV Golf’s investment pitch outlines a plan built around international tournaments and uses the high attendance figures in Australia and South Africa as benchmarks.
“Other models have worked as well, so I’m not going to say that one is better than the other, but I do see value in what team golf can provide not only worldwide but also in grassrooting the game of golf,” DeChambeau added.
“National support, team national support, city local support – we grassroot ourselves there. There’s... quite a few ideas that we have that could be interesting.
“We’ll see if investors like it or not. I’m giving all I can to make it happen, and if it doesn’t, it doesn’t happen.”
DeChambeau told reporters earlier in May that he has spoken with the PGA Tour regarding his potential post-2026 options.
The two-time Major champion is also looking into the possibility of expanding his YouTube channel.
He joined LIV Golf in June 2022, and was among the group of golfers who filed an antitrust lawsuit against the PGA later that year to challenge their suspensions from the Tour.
While DeChambeau had plenty to say on the topic, his fellow American Dustin Johnson had a quick answer on May 26, when asked for his personal view on the PIF’s support being halted or retracted.
“Long LIV Golf,” he said.
Signed to a multi-year contract extension in January, Johnson was one of the first players to defect to LIV Golf and became the circuit’s champion in its first season in 2022.
The 41-year-old won the US Open in 2016, the Masters in 2020 and is a 24-time winner on the PGA Tour. REUTERS
