Bryson DeChambeau believes that families affected by the 9/11 terrorist attacks should look towards forgiveness to make the world a better place.
During a television interview on Tuesday, the rebellious golfer added that LIV Golf is trying to accomplish positivity and peace after a merger between the PGA Tour and LIV shook the community. DeChambeau was one of the first A-list names from the PGA to join LIV in 2022, signing a $125 million (£99.48m) deal.
LIV Golf has been controversial since forming as an opposition organization in direct competition with the PGA Tour. The Saudi-backed league, which began competition one year ago, has also raised questions over the ethics of its funding.
The money comes from the Public Investment Fund, which is run by the Saudi monarchy. Saudi Arabia has been slammed for its human rights record.
Speaking with CNN hours after the PGA Tour and LIV Golf officially merged, he was asked about his involvement with the breakaway league and what he would say to the families impacted by 9/11. There have been longstanding allegations the Saudi government was complicit in the attacks; however, the 9/11 Commission reported in 2004 there was no direct evidence to support these claims.
"I think we’ll never be able to repay the families for what exactly happened just over 20 years ago, and what happened is definitely horrible," DeChambeau said . "I think as time has gone on, 20 years has passed, we’re in a place now where it’s time to start trying to work together to make things better together as a whole.
"I don’t know exactly what they’re feeling; I can’t ever know what they feel. But I have a huge amount of respect for their position and what they believe. Nor do I ever what anything like that to ever occur again.
"I think as we move forward from that, we have to look toward the pathway to peace and forgiveness, especially if we’re trying to mend the world and make it a better place. I think this is what they’re trying to accomplish, LIV is trying to accomplish, PIF is trying to accomplish. We’re all trying to accomplish is a better world for everybody with entertainment for everybody around the world."
DeChambeau continued by claiming ignorance when it came to the politics. However, he added the importance of the entities being allied with each other, noting that "nobody is perfect."
"It’s unfortunate what has happened and something I can’t necessarily speak on. I’m a golfer," DeChambeau added. "But what I can say is that what they’re trying to do, what they’re trying to work on, is to be better allies because we are allies with them.
"I’m not going to get into politics, I’m not specialized in that. What I can say is they’re trying to do good for the world and showcase themselves in a light that hasn’t been seen in a while."
High-profile golfers such as Rory McIlroy, Jon Rahm, Patrick Cantlay, Cameron Young, and Hideki Matsuyama have all previously declined invitations to play for LIV, remaining loyal to the history and etiquette of the PGA.
DeChambeau, on the other hand, believes that the merger is a "win-win" situation for everyone.
"I truly believe in the end, the game of golf wins in this scenario," he said.
