Bryson DeChambeau admits LIV Golf has ‘a lot’ against them to secure their long-term future but hopes the circuit will get ‘one more shot’ to survive beyond this season.
Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) announced in April they would end their financial backing to LIV Golf beyond the 2026 season, which is finishing a week early due to the cancellation of their Team Championship.
LIV Golf announced they have found an unnamed investor to help move into ‘the next chapter’ but uncertainty continues around the league, with speculation over players potentially leaving and how the schedule may look going forward.
Bryson DeChambeau captains Crushers GC in the LIV Golf League
DeChambeau has remained heavily involved in conversations about the league’s next steps, despite his LIV Golf contract expiring after this season, with the two-time US Open champion still optimistic about a positive resolution.
“Look, it’s tough – it’s not easy,” DeChambeau said after his opening round 65 in Indianapolis, leaving him three strokes behind early pacesetter Laurie Canter. “We [LIV Golf] definitely have a lot against us.
“I think, behind the scenes, we’ve got a lot of people that are working hard to make this possible for not only all the players that are out here, but all the fans that have come out to these events.
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Scottie Scheffler believes that a few LIV players would add value to the PGA Tour, but says they should still receive penalties before being integrated back in
“The economic impact that we’ve made in all of these places, whether it’s South Africa, here in Indianapolis or Australia and numerous places across the world, the UK and all the different places we’ve been in the US.
“I think we just have a bit of a responsibility to continue to show this. If it works, it works and that’s awesome. If it doesn’t, we’ll figure things out and time will move on.
“I would say that time heals things. I hope people can see that we actually bring value to the game of golf. My wish is that people give us one more shot and be open minded.”
The American’s comments came a day after LIV Golf chief executive Scott O’Neil warned of a ‘very compressed timeline’ to finalise fresh investment, where he also praised DeChambeau’s support in trying to secure the league’s future.
“I have a lot of time for Bryson – I talk to him quite a bit,” O’Neil said in his pre-tournament press conference.
“Having spent 30 years in this business of sports, spending time with professional athletes for most of it, I’ve never met one who’s truly… not what they say but what they do, truly focused and be mission driven.
“He cares about the global game of golf. He cares about building this next generation of fans. I don’t think anybody works harder on or off the course. Bryson has become a good friend, a good advocate of the league.
DeChambeau has been working with O’Neil in a bid to help secure LIV Golf’s future
“I certainly hope he’s with us for the future. He’s been extremely supportive, as I can say most of the big guys have been.”
LIV Golf remain hopeful their 2027 schedule can feature five marquee Team Championships across five continents, with five team Signature Events positioned around majors, while the new proposed investor met players ahead of this week’s event.
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Bryson DeChambeau said in May that LIV Golf players were left ‘surprised’ by the Saudi Public Investment Fund’s decision to withdraw funding
“It has definitely been an uncertain time the last few months and that’s probably played on a lot of guys’ minds,” Dean Burmester said after his opening round. “But we had a great meeting with our investor this week and I feel it went really well.
“The proposed LIV 2.0, whatever you want to call it, I think it’s very promising and it looks great. I think the model is certainly sustainable, very sustainable.
“The trickle-down effect of all of those things is going to do massive things all over the world. All of this is way bigger than life, and it’s probably above my pay grade, but it was a really positive meeting and long may it continue.”
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