One-time major champion Bryson DeChambeau has said he always envisioned he'd "do something cool in the game of golf " after joining the Saudi-backed LIV Golf Series.
In fact, the 2020 U.S. Open -winner has long considered himself a pioneer among his peers as he breaks away from the PGA Tour. Dozens of golfers have turned their back on the sport's establishment to play for LIV, although the major bulk of the world's highest-ranked stars have stayed put.
The exodus have opened those dissidents up to criticism, being scrutinised for helping to promote Saudi Arabia's attempt at 'sportswashing'. It can't have been easy leaving the organisation that launched one's career, but a $125million (£102.5m) cheque certainly salves the blow in DeCheambeau's case.
"First and foremost, it is a lot of opportunity to do something different in the game of golf," DeChambeau told controversial Fox News host Tucker Carlson. "I've always been a bit of a trendsetter. Growing up I always thought I'd do something cool in the game of golf.
"I've always thought golf has to tailor to the younger generation and I am all about growing the game of golf. I think that in every industry, no matter what it is, it has always been changing and innovating and golf isn't any different. New formats and teams is enhancing the spirit of the game."
The inaugural LIV Golf Invitational Series is three events deep, offering three-day, 54-hole competitions with shotgun starts and no cut. This year's curtain-raiser will comprise eight events, but that schedule is already due to increase to 14 in 2023.
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DeChambeau said the money he'll earn playing under the LIV banner has allowed him to realise there's "more to life than golf." That's despite winning more than $26m (£21m) in six years on the PGA Tour.
For the time being, at least, DeChambeau and the other defectors will continue to be seen as outsiders following their suspensions from the Tour. That being said, he isn't worried about his ban being a long-term issue.
"It doesn't make sense (the ban). No, I'm not worried about that. I think it will get figured out," added the Californian. "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."
