DeChambeau ‘didn’t see’ Saudis stopping LIV funding

SEOUL: Bryson DeChambeau admitted on Tuesday he had been caught unawares when LIV Golf’s Saudi backers pulled their funding of the breakaway circuit, saying “we didn’t really see that coming”.

Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) announced this month that it would cease bankrolling LIV after the 2026 season.

PIF had reportedly ploughed more than US$5 billion dollars into the breakaway circuit since it was founded in 2021.

Two-time major champion DeChambeau remains one of LIV’s biggest drawcards along with Jon Rahm, with both teeing up in this week’s LIV Korea.

“We were surprised that they pulled out as quickly as they did,” DeChambeau told reporters at Asiad Country Club in Busan.

“We didn’t really see that coming. But that’s OK. One door closes, another opens. I think that’s the way a lot of us are looking at it.”

PIF’s abrupt withdrawal, announced on May 1, plunged LIV into uncertainty, with executives scrambling to create a new business plan to attract investors and sponsors.

CEO Scott O’Neil is reportedly seeking US$250 million to keep the league afloat.

“I think we all have optimism that there is a business plan that makes sense for team golf,” DeChambeau said.

“I’m very optimistic with the business plan of team golf compared to other models, in my opinion,” he said.

“We’ll see if investors like it or not. I’m giving all I can to make it happen, and if it doesn’t, it doesn’t happen.”

There have also been reports that LIV was laying the groundwork for potential bankruptcy in the United States.

“In the background, yeah, we’re trying to help where we can, but ultimately it’s up to executives and everybody banding together,” DeChambeau said.

“If we all band together, there’s an opportunity here.

“If not, it’s going to be a different day for all of us.

المصدر: Free Malaysia Today