2020 U.S. Open winner Bryson DeChambeau has said he “personally knows” the PGA Tour will lift its indefinite ban on LIV Golf players. He insisted it would happen “pretty soon”.
The LIV Golf Invitational Series is sponsored by Saudi Arabia, which makes it a subject of criticism due to the kingdom’s history of human rights violations. The PGA has banned players who defect to the rival series from participating in its events.
“I personally know that it will get figured out, whether it’s legally or whether they come to the table and work out terms. I definitely think it will wash itself out in the future, pretty shortly,” DeChambeau said in an interview with Fox News.
DeChambeau said he joined LIV Golf “solely for the economics”. The funds from his LIV Golf endeavors would be used to build a multi-sport and schooling complex center in Dallas, DeChambeau said.
DeChambeau’s season has been hampered by injuries. Nevertheless, he managed to finish tenth in his first LIV Golf event at Pumpkin Ridge. He followed that up with a tie for eighth at The Open, his best result in five appearances in the game’s oldest championship.
DeChambeau plays golf with Donald Trump
Last week, DeChambeau played alongside Donald Trump at the third event of the LIV series, which was held at Trump’s Bedminster, New Jersey. Trump told golfers earlier that they should join LIV and “take the money now”.
The event is worth $25 million, with $20 million going to the 48 players individually and another $5 million to the team. The winner will receive $4 million.
“He’s actually a really good golfer. He stripes it down the middle of the fairway and has good iron game and putts it pretty well,” DeChambeau said of the former president.
“But it was an honor. I mean, anytime you get to play with a president, whether passed or sitting, it’s just an honor, no matter who it is.” DeChambeau said about the round. Very lucky to have a relationship with him, and he’s always been generous to me.”
Strained relationship with Woods
While DeChambeau appeared to have a good rapport with Trump, his relationship with Tiger Woods, on the other hand, has been strained.
In late July, DeChambeau told Sports Illustrated that he had not spoken to Woods since his LIV move.
“I have ultimate respect for what he has to say. For me personally, to be my own human being, I’m going to work even harder to prove the fact that I’m worth the price,” DeChambeau said.
“We have been fairly close and unfortunately we have not spoken, one day we will again, and I am always open for a conversation with anybody. I have no problem with it and I hope we can come see eye to eye on it.”
Woods was among those who were invited to join LIV Golf. In an episode of Tucker Carlson Tonight on Monday, Greg Norman confirmed that the offer to Woods was between $700 million and $800 million.
Woods earlier said players who joined LIV “turned their back” on the PGA Tour.