Bryson DeChambeau calls former coach a ‘disgruntled employee’ for making $3,000,000 extortion claim
Bryson DeChambeau has accused his former coach of attempting to extort $3 million from him, referring to the US Open champion as a 'disgruntled employee'.
Last month, DeChambeau clinched his second US Open title by beating Rory McIlroy by one stroke, which came with a paycheck of $4.3 million. His former coach, Mike Schy, was reportedly dissatisfied as DeChambeau did not mention him in his victory speeches. Schy also expressed disappointment that Bryson had ceased funding the Central Valley Jon DeChambeau Memorial Junior Tour.
In response to these accusations, the two-time major champion labeled them as outright lies.
"It's a disgruntled former employee, unfortunately, and it is what it is," Bryson DeChambeau told Golfweek. "We've had numerous conversations and it hasn't worked out from a business standpoint. It's quite disappointing how he's turned this and spun this.
"I gave him my dad's name, image and likeness for free on the assumption we'd have a good business plan and it just hasn't worked out."
He added that he would be doing a lot for his community but with a different business plan and in the correct way. He said he was at the high point of his carry and Schy was trying to bring his image down and hurting the game of golf.
"This just ain't a story, it's a disgruntled employee, my friend," he added.
DeChambeau's agent Brett Falkoff had claimed that the golfer's childhood coach was asking for $3 million. He added that Bryson denied paying this much of an amount to his Schy.
What's next for Bryson DeChambeau?
Bryson DeChambeau will next compete at the LIV Golf Andalucia, beginning on Friday, July 12. The tenth event on LIV Golf's season schedule will be held at the Real Club Valderrama. This tournament will also serve as a warm-up for players on the Saudi-backed circuit ahead of the Open Championship.
DeChambeau has had an underwhelming LIV Golf season so far, not winning a title this year. He has secured three top-ten finishes and currently ranks 12th in the individual standings. However, his team, Crushers GC, has performed well, leading the table with two wins and two runner-up finishes.
Despite this, DeChambeau has been solid in all three major championships this year. He finished T12 at the Masters Tournament, followed by a second-place finish at the PGA Championship. Last month, he claimed the US Open title.