Bryson DeChambeau met with different organizations during Masters week as the two-time U.S. Open champ weighed his options if he decided to leave LIV Golf, according to a report. The 32-year-old’s contract with LIV ends after this season, and his talks came as the league faces an uncertain future.
The Athletic reported that DeChambeau is seeking a $500 million deal from LIV while also keeping his options open elsewhere. Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund is expected to pull its resources from the tour after this season, raising the stakes around a player who was once among the biggest names poached from the PGA Tour.
DeChambeau’s size as a business draw matters because of what he has built away from tournament golf. The Athletic reported that his large YouTube following could allow him to stay financially successful even if he steps away from the week-to-week grind of the tour schedule. That makes his next move more than a simple contract negotiation. It is a test of whether LIV can keep one of its marquee names at a time when the tour’s backing is in question.
The timing of the talks matters because DeChambeau’s week in Mexico City was already unruly. On Thursday, he had a lengthy conversation with Jon Rahm before the tournament started. On Friday, he was seen angrily complaining about the course conditions at Club de Golf Chapultepec. The Athletic reported that after a 2-over round on Saturday, he seemed frustrated and walked past young fans who wanted autographs without signing.
Then came the latest setback. DeChambeau withdrew from the final round of LIV Golf Mexico City on Sunday morning with an apparent wrist injury, saying he had felt discomfort during the previous day’s round and wanted to avoid making it worse. He said he planned to be evaluated for a few days and hoped to be ready for LIV Golf Virginia. For a player trying to judge his future while carrying a physical issue, the next decision may be the one that defines the rest of his season.
