After Jon Rahm Was Accused of Faking LIV Golf Loyalty, Bryson DeChambeau Faces Similar Scrutiny Over Cryptic Remarks
“I think that’s what’s so beautiful about it is you’re representing not only yourself but sometimes a country, as well, or a region.” This was what Bryson DeChambeau had stated earlier when Jon Rahm was being questioned about regretting his move to make the switch to the breakaway league.
Now, despite Rahm clearing out the air about enjoying his time at the breakaway league and getting accustomed to the LIV format, it looks like DeChambeau might have changed his viewpoints about it.
The Scientist was one of the early joiners of the PIF-funded league and became a part of the roster before its second championship, the 2022 LIV Golf Invitational in Portland. As a result, he has an experienced perspective on how the Saudi-backed league has changed through the years, and what can be done to improve it.
The 30-year-old wishes to change how the PGA Tour and LIV Golf interact with each other. He would have one sole focus, which is also the vision of thousands of golf fans—a united tour instead of two different ones. “I think I would pick up the phone and call the PGA Tour and say, ‘We need to have a meeting and get this thing worked out now,’” said DeChambeau.
The denial of OWGR points to LIV Golf had a detrimental effect on many LIV players’ world rankings and subsequently made their path to majors extremely difficult. The 2024 US Open Champion addressed the same and shared his thoughts on the matter, stating, “But I know that every single person on LIV does want to play in major championships, wants to compete at the highest level all the time with everyone as much as possible out there in those majors,”
⛳️ #NEW: Bryson DeChambeau reveals what he would do if he was commissioner of LIV Golf: “Wow, good question. I think I would pick up the phone and call the PGA Tour and say, “We need to have a meeting and get this thing worked out now.” (Via @GOLF_com exclusive) pic.twitter.com/P7JK9V9wqw
— NUCLR GOLF (@NUCLRGOLF) August 23, 2024
Through Bryson DeChamnbeau’s words, it’s clear that the 30-year-old is an advocate for the unification of golf to promote progress in the game. However, the golf community appears to have a different perspective than that of the Scientist.
Dechambeau’s comments fuel speculation about LIV Golf regret
While Dustin Johnson, Martin Kaymer, and Lee Westwood, as well as former major champions Sergio García, Graeme McDowell, Louis Oosthuizen, and Charl Schwartzel, were some of the first players who agreed to the nine-figure amount offered to them for moving to the breakaway league, many players chose to remain loyal to the PGA Tour.
Players like Rory McIlroy, Scottie Scheffler, or even struggling Tiger Woods for that matter, advocated for the Jay Monahan league, despite the lucrative deals offered by the Saudi Backed league that could have secured their careers. Taking to this, one of them wrote, “The money will never let it happen. LIV golfers were given generational money. If let back on the PGA, it would be a slap in the face to those who stayed. It will never happen. Fans need to get used to watching two tours – that’s the only way it will work. Might be an exception or two.”
To mend the rift between the two leagues, the idea of a $3 billion merger was proposed and seen as a step towards closing the divide. While many supported the idea of unification, this fan doesn’t seem to be on board, stating, “Sigh. I like Bryson, but why didn’t @artstricklin ask better follow-up questions about why golfers joined LIV knowing there was no guaranteed future with the Majors? – You guys split the Tour, why do you want it back on? Etc…”
Jon Rahm has been quite vocal about his affinity for the 72-hole format and the traditional style of play. Many have interpreted his preference as a sign of regret for joining LIV Golf, which follows a 54-hole format. Following DeChambeau’s recent interview, this fan believes that the Crusher GC star is questioning his past decisions and commented, “That statement reeks of regret.”
According to Golf Monthly, the Scientist had signed a $125 million deal to make his move to LIV Golf. And of course, not to forget the enormous $5 million prize money that the winning player is awarded at every tournament, which is way higher than what the PGA Tour offers. However, unlike the PGA Tour, which has 47 events in a year, LIV Golf only has 14.
Taking to this, the fans left comments like, “Damn, even Bryson misses playing REAL golf more than a few times a year” and Why are all of the #LIVGolf players focused on unification when it’s apparent that the #PGAT has a wait-and-see attitude? The stench of desperation & failure seems to be creeping in for a tour that’s supposedly well-funded.”
