Bryson DeChambeau drops truth bomb on what he would do as LIV Golf Commissioner

Bryson DeChambeau’s Vision for LIV Golf if He Were Commissioner

Bryson DeChambeau, known for his unorthodox approach and bold opinions, is not one to shy away from expressing his thoughts. From his early days as an amateur golfer, DeChambeau has openly shared the intricacies of his unique swing, his choice of clubs, and his rigorous fitness and dietary routines. His commitment to innovation and performance has not only made him a standout on the golf course but also a significant influencer in the sport.

DeChambeau’s influence extends beyond the fairways, as he leverages his platform to promote golf across different facets of life. His YouTube channel, which features high-profile guests like former U.S. President Donald Trump and golf legend John Daly, is a testament to his dedication to broadening the appeal of golf to a wider audience.

This week, during a promotional event in Dallas for LIV Golf’s upcoming team championship, DeChambeau sat down for a comprehensive interview with Art Stricklin of Golf.com. In the interview, DeChambeau touched on various topics, including his success on YouTube, his admiration for Phil Mickelson’s short game, and the rapid rise of LIV Golf. However, one of the most intriguing moments came when DeChambeau was asked what he would do if he were appointed as the commissioner of LIV Golf for a day.

Faced with the hypothetical scenario, DeChambeau responded thoughtfully, “Wow, good question.” After a moment of reflection, he added, “I think I would pick up the phone and call the PGA Tour and say, ‘We need to have a meeting and get an agreement between the two tours worked out now.’”

DeChambeau’s answer underscores the ongoing tension between LIV Golf, backed by the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF), and the PGA Tour. The two organizations have been in a high-stakes standoff, marked by legal battles and intense competition for the sport’s top talent. However, on June 6, 2023, a significant development occurred when the PGA Tour and the PIF reached a framework agreement. This deal, while still in its early stages, effectively put an end to the lawsuits between the two parties and laid the groundwork for a more formal and comprehensive agreement.

Despite this progress, the road to a final agreement has been anything but smooth. The initial deadline of December 31, 2023, for reaching a more detailed deal has come and gone without any concrete resolutions. Discussions between key figures, including PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan, Tiger Woods, and members of the PIF, have taken place behind closed doors. These meetings, which occurred in the Bahamas after The Players Championship in March and in New York in June, have left the public with more questions than answers.

Monahan, while providing an update before the FedEx St. Jude Championship in Memphis, offered little in the way of specifics. “I have a lot of meetings on the subject,” he stated. “I’m not going to get into specifics of it, but it’s a clear focus of mine and it’s a clear focus of the organization. With that said, you can imagine that there is a lot of dialogue.” His remarks, though vague, suggest that negotiations are ongoing, albeit slowly and behind the scenes.

DeChambeau, despite his desire for a swift resolution, remains patient. He recognizes that golf is at a critical juncture, with divisions at the top levels of the men’s game. Yet, he is optimistic about the future. “The game is in an interesting place right now. It’s going to get figured out. I know that,” DeChambeau asserted. “I have zero doubt that it will get figured out. It’s going to take some time. But I know that every single person on LIV does want to play in major championships and wants to compete at the highest level all the time with everyone as much as possible out there in those majors.”

DeChambeau’s confidence in the eventual reconciliation of the sport reflects his broader vision for golf—a sport that, in his view, should be inclusive and united, allowing the best players to compete against each other in the most prestigious tournaments, regardless of their affiliation. Whether or not DeChambeau ever finds himself in a position of authority within LIV Golf, his perspective highlights the ongoing challenges and opportunities facing the sport as it navigates this complex period of transformation.