Bryson DeChambeau ‘frustrated’ as LIV Golf prevents him from achieving next dream

US Open champion Bryson DeChambeau expressed his frustration and disappointment over missing the chance to represent Team USA at the Paris 2024 Olympics. Despite winning his second US Open title, DeChambeau won’t be competing in the Olympics this summer due to his world ranking.

The 30-year-old golfer capitalized on Rory McIlroy’s faltering performance to secure his major victory on Sunday. However, DeChambeau’s involvement with LIV Golf, which is backed by the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund, has impeded his Olympic ambitions. LIV Golf events do not contribute to the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR), limiting his ability to climb the rankings and compete for an Olympic spot. The rules allow only 60 golfers in the Olympic competition, with each country eligible to send a maximum of four players, provided they are within the top 15 of the OWGR.

Following his US Open triumph, DeChambeau soared from No. 38 to No. 10 in the rankings. Despite this impressive rise, he remains the sixth-highest ranked American, trailing Scottie Scheffler, Xander Schauffele, Wyndham Clark, Collin Morikawa, and Patrick Cantlay, who are all ranked higher and eligible for the Olympics.

Speaking on the Pat McAfee show, DeChambeau shared his feelings: “I would love to represent the United States. It was tough for me last time around because of Covid; it was just one of those things that happened. Hopefully, one day the game of golf will get figured out and come back together, and I’ll be able to play. I’m playing great golf, I’m excited, but ultimately I’m frustrated and disappointed. You can absolutely say that. I made the choices I have made, and there are consequences to that, I respect it. But hopefully, sooner rather than later, we figure that out.”

Following the US Open, the final four players for Team USA were confirmed. World No.1 Scheffler and No.3 Schauffele had already secured their spots before the tournament. Clark and Morikawa earned their places after the event concluded, while Cantlay narrowly missed out, needing to win or finish runner-up at Pinehurst No.2 but ended in T3.

DeChambeau’s omission from the Olympic team underscores the complexities and repercussions of his association with LIV Golf and highlights the broader challenges faced by players in navigating the professional golfing landscape.