Bryson DeChambeau has thrown down the gauntlet to Tiger Woods ahead of LIV Golf’s latest event in South Africa.
The two-time US Open champion has openly challenged Woods’ Jupiter Links team to a made-for-TV clash against his Crushers GC team.
Advertisement
DeChambeau believes golf is missing a huge opportunity to maximize team formats, and he wants to change that.
Bryson DeChambeau calls out Tiger Woods with Crushers vs Jupiter Links idea
Speaking ahead of LIV Golf South Africa, DeChambeau made it clear that he sees a future in which team golf plays a much bigger role in the sport.
“I guess we’re an individual sport – I understand that,” he said. “But we do play team events. We’ve got the Ryder Cup. We’ve got the Presidents Cup. There should be something else. Why not?”
Photo by Cliff Hawkins/TGL/TGL Golf via Getty Images
The American then outlined a bold vision, suggesting his Crushers side could take on Woods’ Jupiter Links team from TGL in a high-profile showdown.
Advertisement
“I do think there’s an opportunity in the future for team golf to be next to the forefront of golf, even with the majors and whatnot,” DeChambeau continued.
“But imagine a scenario where we’re going up against Jupiter Links on an 18-hole showcase, 4 vs. 4, going up against each other on a Netflix show or something, or whoever wants to put it on a show.
“How about the Crushers go up against Jupiter Links in an 18-hole match, 4 vs. 4 stroke play. We can just call them out right now and say, ‘Let’s go. Let’s do it.’
“That would be fun. Show them who’s the best, who’s the best team in the world.”
DeChambeau added that his team would be open to taking on any opponent, but made it clear a clash with Woods’ team would be particularly appealing.
Advertisement
Bryson DeChambeau says golf must do more to embrace rivalries
The idea of high-profile golf showdowns is not new, with the sport having previously experimented with exhibition matches.
DeChambeau himself has been involved in some of those, including his long-running rivalry with Brooks Koepka and more recent crossover events involving PGA Tour stars.
Photo by Thananuwat Srirasant/Getty Images
However, the LIV Golf star believes the game is still not doing enough to capitalise on its biggest personalities.
“There’s always been rivalries, like Brooks and I and even Rory [McIlroy] and I,” he said. “There’s a bit of that there. But what I’m saying is we’re all competitive.
Advertisement
“One way to do that, since there’s already internal built-up rivalries in the game right now, whether it’s the PGA [Tour] or LIV or TGL and LIV, let’s give the fans what they want. It’s time. It’s been too long.”
DeChambeau’s comments underline his desire to push golf in a more entertainment-driven direction, and his call-out of Woods suggests he is ready to lead that charge.
Read more:
Read the full article here