Bryson DeChambeau’s $125M move to LIV Golf divides golf community

The golf world has been divided by the emergence of LIV Golf, a Saudi-backed breakaway league that offers lucrative contracts to some of the top players in the game. One of the most controversial defections was that of Bryson DeChambeau, who left the PGA Tour in June 2023 to join LIV Golf as a captain of one of the 12 teams. DeChambeau, who won the 2020 U.S. Open and eight PGA Tour titles, reportedly signed a deal worth more than $125 million with LIV Golf. He also became involved in a lawsuit with the PGA Tour over his participation in the new league. DeChambeau has been vocal about his reasons for joining LIV Golf, saying that he believes it is a chance to grow the game and reach new audiences. However, not everyone shares his enthusiasm for LIV Golf. In fact, one of his former friends and mentors, Tiger Woods, has cut off all contact with him since he made the switch. Woods, who is a staunch supporter of the PGA Tour and its commissioner Jay Monahan, has been critical of LIV Golf and its impact on golf’s tradition and integrity. DeChambeau revealed that Woods has ignored his texts and calls since he joined LIV Golf, even on his birthday. He said that Woods thinks that LIV Golf is potentially hurting his record, although he did not specify which record he was referring to. Woods is tied with Sam Snead for the most career wins on the PGA Tour (82) and ranks second behind Jack Nicklaus for the most major championships (15). DeChambeau said that he respects Woods’ opinion, but he hopes that one day he will see the vision that he and other LIV Golf members have for the future of golf. He also said that he misses nothing about playing on the PGA Tour, except for the fans who supported him. He said that LIV Golf is starting to attract more crowds and interest as people get used to its team-based format and innovative features. DeChambeau has not had much success on LIV Golf so far, posting only two top-10 finishes in nine events. His team, The Crushers GC, is currently ranked ninth in the standings. He will be looking to improve his form and performance at the LIV Orlando event, which starts on Friday at Orange County National. Final Words: Bryson DeChambeau’s Controversial Move to LIV Golf Divides the Golf World Bryson DeChambeau’s decision to join LIV Golf has caused a stir in the golf community, with some seeing it as a chance to grow the game and others as a betrayal of its traditions. His former mentor, Tiger Woods, has cut off all contact with him, citing concerns about the league’s impact on the sport’s integrity and his own record. While DeChambeau has been vocal about his reasons for joining LIV Golf, his performance on the new circuit has been lackluster so far. However, he remains optimistic about its potential to attract new fans and revolutionize the sport. The emergence of LIV Golf raises important questions about the future of golf, including its relationship with tradition, money, and innovation. As the league continues to attract top talent and controversy, it will be interesting to see how the golf world adapts and responds to this new challenge.