Bryson DeChambeau explains “very difficult” LIV Golf decision

Bryson DeChambeau called his decision to join the LIV Golf series “very difficult”, but the promise of a massive payday made the difference in the end. The first LIV Golf event took place this past weekend in London, with South Africa’s Charl Schwartzel pocketing $4.75million as the inaugural winner.

Criticism has followed the Saudi-backed tour every step of the way, with its motivations being questioned due to the fact that it appears unlikely to turn a profit.

Speaking to the media for the first time since making the jump away from the PGA Tour, DeChambeau admitted his priorities were financial.

“It was a business decision, first and foremost,” he said. “That’s all there was to it.

“It’s given me a lot more opportunities outside of the game of golf and given me more time with my family and my future family. So for me, that was the decision.”

The 2020 U.S. Open champion said less than two weeks ago that joining LIV Golf would be a “risk” for him, but DeChambeau was reportedly offered a total of $100 million to participate in the series’ seven remaining events.

“There was a lot of financials to it, and a lot of time,” he said. “I get to have a life outside of the game of golf as well.”

While some players – notably Dustin Johnson and Kevin Na – have resigned entirely from the PGA Tour, DeChambeau has not surrendered his tour card. The PGA suspended 17 players for participating in the rival circuit, which resumes on June 30 at Pumpkin Ridge in Portland, Oregon.

PGA commissioner Jay Monahan said any future LIV players will receive the same punishment.

DeChambeau largely avoided addressing the controversial nature of LIV Golf, which is funded through Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, but he did make his first comments about concerns many fans have about the series’ connection to the Saudi government’s human rights violations.

“What’s gone on has not been great,” he said, “But they’re moving in the right decision from what I can see and what we’ve had conversations about.”

DeChambeau told the Golf Channel that he wants to play some PGA Tour events in the future.

“I want to play where people can see great entertainment. I want to deliver that anywhere I’m at.”