LIV Golf have confirmed Bryson DeChambeau has become the latest big-name star to defect from the PGA Tour to the rebel Saudi-led upstart. The breakaway circuit's inaugural event kicked off on Thursday at the Centurion Club in St. Albans.
The likes of Dustin Johnson, Phil Mickelson, Lee Westwood, Ian Poulter and Sergio Garcia have all committed to the controversial cause, and have now been joined by one the sport's biggest names in 2020 US Open champion DeChambeau. Like fellow American star Johnson, DeChambeau previously ruled himself out of the LIV Golf Invitational Series.
Four months on though the 28-year-old has clearly had a change in heart, after revealing in February that "as long as the best players in the world are playing the PGA Tour, so will I."
Discussing the acquisition of DeChambeau LIV Golf CEO - and former world No. 1 - Greg Norman described the former US Open champion as an 'exciting edition'. He said: "Bryson DeChambeau is an exciting addition to LIV Golf’s supercharged style of play.
"He is passionate about the sport, innovative in his approach and committed to pushing the boundaries in pursuit of excellence. He’s not afraid to think outside the box and supports our mission of doing things differently to grow our game."
"The power and energy he brings to the course will deliver added electricity to our competition in Portland and beyond.” As mentioned by Norman, DeChambeau will make his LIV Golf debut at the series' second event at Pumpkin Ridge in Portland at the end of this month. In making the move the American star could well have surrendered his PGA Tour and Ryder Cup status, with the circuit's commissioner Jay Monahan, confirming all those who participate will be suspended from the PGA Tour.
In a statement he said: "Their participation in the Saudi Golf League/LIV Golf event is in violation of our Tournament Regulations. The same fate [suspension] holds true for any other players who participate in future Saudi Golf League events in violation of our Regulations.”
Do you agree with DeChambeau's decision to join the rebel circuit? Let us know in the comments section below.
Monahan added: "These players have made their choice for their own financial-based reasons. But they can’t demand the same PGA TOUR membership benefits, considerations, opportunities and platform as you. That expectation disrespects you, our fans and our partners.”
Following the statement LIV Golf quickly hit back, responding with a comment of their own. It read: "Today’s announcement by the PGA Tour is vindictive and it deepens the divide between the Tour and its members. It’s troubling that the Tour, an organization dedicated to creating opportunities for golfers to play the game, is the entity blocking golfers from playing. This certainly is not the last word on this topic. The era of free agency is beginning as we are proud to have a full field of players joining us in London, and beyond.”
