Los Angeles (United States) (AFP) – Bryson DeChambeau has urged the golf world to give the divisive breakaway LIV tour “one more shot” as it scrambles to stay afloat into next year. LIV Golf began in 2022 and lured some of the sport’s top names from the traditional PGA Tour, which banned LIV golfers from its events. But LIV recently lost its Saudi backers, was forced to cancel its season-ending team championship event, and is exploring a slimmed-down schedule with new investors for 2027. Several players have been linked with possible returns to the PGA Tour and other circuits.
LIV talisman DeChambeau’s future is seen as particularly critical to the survival of the series. “I hope people can see that we actually bring value to the game of golf,” said DeChambeau, at this week’s LIV Indianapolis event. “My wish is that people give us one more shot and be open minded.” His comments followed an interview with Rory McIlroy this week, in which the six-time Major winner and PGA Tour stalwart openly questioned whether the likes of DeChambeau have ever “brought value” to LIV Golf.
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LIV reportedly spent more than $5 billion from Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund between 2021-2026 to lure golf’s biggest names, before its Middle Eastern backers pulled the plug. Chief executive officer Scott O’Neil this week outlined proposals for a “2.0” version going forward under new investors, including a shorter season, with smaller prize pots, but offering its players greater equity. He confirmed that LIV players had been given a deadline to sign up for next season but declined to provide details.
“Look, it’s tough. It’s not easy. We definitely have a lot against us,” said DeChambeau. “But 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.”
LIV has frequently touted the record crowds it drew to events this year in under-served golf markets including Australia and South Africa, and says it has been successful at drawing younger fans who are new to the sport. “I think we just have a bit of a responsibility to continue to show this,” said DeChambeau, who has his own wildly popular YouTube channel. “If it works, it works; awesome. If it doesn’t, we’ll figure things out. Time will move on, and I would say that time heals things.”
© 2024 AFP
