Bryson DeChambeau was one of many high-profile golfers to join the first season of LIV Golf, with the American a highly sought-after figure by the breakaway tour.
At first, it appeared as if DeChambeau was going to remain on the PGA Tour when rumours initially began to swirl, linking the 2020 US Open champion with a move. In February 2022, he put up a statement on his social media denying reports that he was ready to jump ship.
“While there has been a lot of speculation surrounding my support for another Tour, I want to make it very clear that as long as the best players in the world are playing the PGA Tour, so am I,” it read. “As of now, I am focused on getting myself healthy and competing again soon. I appreciate all the support.”
However, just four months later, DeChambeau would seemingly backtrack on that statement as he made the switch to join the 54-hole circuit. A month later in July 2022, he would confirm the reported $125m figure he was paid to join the league.
“I’m not gonna say the details, I mean for what’s reported it’s somewhat close,” he said. “It’s a four-and-a-half year deal, I can definitely tell you that and a lot of it was upfront which is great.”
Such a figure meant the American was one of many who joined the LIV for a reported fee north of $100m. Others include Phil Mickelson, Brooks Koepka, Dustin Johnson and Cameron Smith.
The following year, at the 2023 PGA Championship, DeChambeau was once again forced to defend the move after he and fellow LIV Golfer, Brooks Koepka, were booed on the opening hole at Oak Hill.
“We’re here to play golf. We’re contracted to play golf, he said. “I think the most important part is to provide great entertainment wherever possible on whatever platform that is, whatever platform that provides it.
“When you can talk about ethics, that’s people’s perception. I completely disagree with it, but everybody has the right to their own opinion, and I’d say, was it worth it? Absolutely. This has been beyond my dreams, what I could have imagined this becoming, and it’s only getting better.
“I think over the course of time, like many have said, you’ll see what good and what positive impact we’re…
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