Bryson DeChambeau shares Tiger Woods’ 'thoughtful' gesture despite tarnished bond after joining LIV Golf
Tiger Woods recently reached out to Bryson DeChambeau, despite the 2024 US Open winner leaving the PGA Tour for LIV Golf over two years ago. Woods and DeChambeau were good friends, often practising together. They played the Ryder Cup together as well, and had a positive relationship on the course.
When DeChambeau went to LIV Golf, he lost several of his friends on the PGA Tour owing to the tension between the two golf tours. Tiger Woods, however, did talk to DeChambeau and congratulated him after his victory at the 2024 US Open. Speaking about the communication, Bryson DeChambeau said according to reporter Bob Harig (via X @/BobHarig):
"It is the first communication, but I'll say he's competitor and I have a lot of respect for him. I'm sure that winning two U.S. Opens definitely helped, I guess, for him coming up and saying congrats. I don't know what his position is, but it was very thoughtful, and I was appreciative of it.''
The two golfers met and talked during the practice round at the Open Championship, where both of them will be competing for the Claret Jug. The Open Championship is being held from July 18-21 at the Royal Troon Golf Club. DeChambeau will be looking to pick up his second Major in a row, after picking up his US Open win just over a month ago.
Bryson DeChambeau ends round one at 2024 Open Championship with disappointing score
Bryson DeChambeau's first round at the 2024 Open Championship was less than ideal. The Royal Troon Golf Course is proving to be a tough one for DeChambeau, who shot a +5 on his first day. Speaking after his round, he said via Sports Illustrated:
“Yeah, it's a completely different test. I didn't get any practice in it, and I didn't really play much in the rain. It's a difficult test out here. Something I'm not familiar with."
However, DeChambeau is still optimistic that he can turn the situation around. He further said that he is proud of himself for persevering despite a disappointing front nine.
“I'm just proud of the way I persevered today. Shoot, man, I could have thrown in the towel after nine and could have been like, I'm going home. But no, I've got a chance tomorrow. I'm excited for the challenge," he added.
Bryson DeChambeau is one of the top favorites going into this weekend at the Open Championship. He will face off against the likes of Scottie Scheffler, Rory McIlroy and Xander Schauffele, all of whom are top contenders for the title. The Open Championship will mark the fourth and final Major of the year, with a prize purse of $17 million.