Bryson DeChambeau is the face of LIV Golf. He is their biggest star and it’s fair to argue that their future as a brand could well depend on his next move.
These are uncertain times for LIV Golf right now as rumors continue to swirl about their long-term viability, and with DeChambeau set to be out of contract at the end of the 2026 season.
Advertisement
Claims emerged on Tuesday night that LIV Golf were under real pressure, with Saudi Arabia’s PIF said to be considering pulling their funding of the league at the end of this season.
LIV Golf’s future was plunged into doubt earlier this week, with some claims even suggesting that the league could fold immediately.
However, the show has carried on this week, with the players competing at LIV Golf Mexico.
Photo by Hector Vivas/Getty Images
Bryson DeChambeau endured a tricky first day at Club de Golf Chapultepec, posting a round of even-par 71 to leave him nine adrift of the leader, Victor Perez.
However, it was some of his behavior that he displayed during day one in Mexico that would have really troubled the LIV Golf hierarchy.
Advertisement
What Bryson DeChambeau was doing in Mexico should concern LIV Golf chiefs
LIV CEO Scott O’Neil made a statement about DeChambeau on Friday, outlining the 32-year-old’s commitment to the league.
However, there have been signs this week in Mexico that DeChambeau is at the very least unhappy, or worse, completely disillusioned.
During his opening round in Mexico on Thursday, DeChambeau was captured on camera numerous times moaning about the condition of the golf course.
Photo by Hector Vivas/Getty Images
The two-time U.S. Open champion was absolutely livid out on the golf course and sounded off about the condition of the surrounding areas of the greens and the bunkers.
Advertisement
“You’ve got destroyed grass. Guys, this is what we’re playing on apparently,“ the American fumed.
He then spoke to a rules official, pleading for a free drop from the patchy area of grass just over the back of the green.
“We’ve got to have a rule here, this is unbelievable,“ DeChambeau said.
Alas, DeChambeau was not granted a free drop and he looked seriously unhappy about the whole situation.
That surely will not have been received well at all by LIV Golf chiefs.
Bryson DeChambeau’s rant came at the worst possible time for LIV Golf
With all the negative noise surrounding LIV Golf right now, DeChambeau’s clear disdain for the golf course hosting the tournament this week will go down like a lead balloon at LIV headquarters.
Advertisement
Despite Scott O’Neil’s claim that LIV Golf is still in a very strong position, it feels as though the tide has now turned.
The players are disillusioned, and LIV’s Saudi backers have seemingly lost interest.
The long-term viability of the league is clearly under threat right now.
And Bryson DeChambeau’s antics during LIV Golf Mexico will only add to the uncertainty surrounding the league right now.
Read the full article here