Bryson DeChambeau remains optimistic on future of LIV Golf

Bryson DeChambeau said several LIV Golf players were surprised after the Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund (PIF) announced that its financial backing will end after the 2026 season, raising fresh questions about the league’s long-term structure and investment outlook.

“We were surprised that they pulled out as quickly as they did,” said Bryson DeChambeau on Tuesday, two days before the start of LIV Golf Korea.

“We didn’t really see that coming. But that’s OK. 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’m very optimistic with the business plan of team golf compared to other models, in my opinion.”

According to reports from Sportico and CNBC, LIV Golf is now pitching a reduced 10-event international schedule to potential investors as it seeks fresh capital to sustain operations beyond this year.

The league is reportedly looking to raise between $250 million and $350 million in new funding. Its investment pitch is said to emphasize an international tournament model, citing strong attendance figures in markets such as Australia and South Africa as key evidence of fan engagement.

“Other models have worked as well, so I’m not going to say 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 are 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, 32, said earlier this month that he has held discussions with the PGA Tour regarding his potential options beyond 2026. He is also exploring opportunities to expand his YouTube channel alongside his playing career.

DeChambeau joined LIV Golf in June 2022 and was among 11 golfers who filed an antitrust lawsuit against the PGA Tour later that year, challenging their suspensions following their departures.

While DeChambeau offered detailed thoughts on LIV Golf’s future, Dustin Johnson gave a brief response when asked about the reported changes in PIF’s support.

“Long LIV Golf,” said Dustin Johnson.

Johnson, 41, signed a multi-year contract extension in January and was among the first high-profile players to join LIV Golf, becoming the Saudi-backed circuit’s inaugural season champion in 2022.

He is a two-time major winner, capturing the U.S. Open in 2016 and the Masters in 2020, and has 24 victories on the PGA Tour. -Field Level Media/Reuters