Bryson DeChambeau explains why he’d call the PGA Tour if he were in Greg Norman’s place for a day
Bryson DeChambeau joined LIV Golf in June 2022 in its debut season. He was among the many golfers to jump ship from the PGA Tour. But ever since the inception of the Saudi-backed league, there has been an ongoing dispute between LIV Golf and the PGA Tour.
While many reasons can be cited for this rift, a major factor is golfers on LIV were officially disallowed from participating in any PGA Tour events. This rule heavily affected their OWGR points as the sanctioning body doesn't recognize LIV Golf events to offer ranking points. The low positions in OWGR meant these golfers missed out on many tournaments where qualifications were based on their ranking. The only time that LIV Golf players received any points was at Majors.
Now, LIV Golf is in its third year of action. Since 2023, there have been talks over a Framework Agreement between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf. However, despite initial talks, no concrete timeline was decided and the Agreement is yet to be finalized.
In an interview with Golf.com, DeChambeau was asked what changes he would make if he was the Commissioner of LIV Golf for a day. The current Commissioner is legendary former golfer Greg Norman. DeChambeau answered:
"Wow, good question. I think I would pick up the phone and call the PGA Tour and say, 'We need to have a meeting and get this thing (agreement between the two tours) worked out now.'"
Major championships are the most prestigious tournaments in golf. There are four tournaments considered as Majors in men's golf: The Masters, The US Open, The PGA Championship, and The Open Championship. DeChambeau also spoke about how important it was for LIV Golf players to compete at Major championships.
"I would say it’s a huge priority. The game is in an interesting place right now. It’s going to get figured out. I know that. 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, wants to compete at the highest level all the time with everyone as much as possible out there in those Majors."
LIV Golf doesn't have a TV partner yet and DeChambeau was asked if this affected its viewership. He stated that it was important to find a TV network to reach a bigger audience but according to him, "they don't really listen" to him on this topic. He was also asked what progress report he would give the Saudi-backed circuit after three years of play.
"We have changed the vision of the game of golf. I think there is so much opportunity now moving forward than there previously was. Golf in my opinion was in a place of — I feel like it was a bit stagnant. I feel like there were times where we could have done more. There was more to be done, and things weren’t necessarily done in the way that some of the players thought they could have been done."
"I can’t try to force anybody to think of me differently" - Bryson DeChambeau
Bryson DeChambeau discussed many topics in his interview with Golf.com, including his 'Break 50' video series, the best golfers in the game right now, mistakes amateurs make, and a few personal topics as well.
DeChambeau was asked about how he seemed more open and accessible now than he was before and how that change came to be. He said:
"I would say getting a little bit older. Look, I’m only 30, about to turn 31. I’d say being a little more understanding of others and understanding what the game of golf needs is a huge component for me. I wish I knew then what I know now about dealing with people."
DeChambeau was also asked about how he seemed much happier today than he did during his initial days and whether that was the case. He answered:
"When I was on the PGA Tour, there were a lot of projections made, and I tried to — not combat, but say, 'No, that’s not me.' Finally, at some point, I just got to the place where I was like, I’ve just got to live my life and be me. I can’t try to force anybody to think of me differently."
"I’m just going to go do my best on the golf course, give people the opportunity to see who I am, whether it be through YouTube or on the golf course or in major championships and play the game, because this game has given me so much," he added.
Bryson DeChambeau will next be seen at the LIV Golf Individual Championships at Bolingbrook Golf Club, Chicago, from September 13th to 15th.