LIV Golf’s money troubles aren’t going to stop Bryson DeChambeau from seeking a massive payday.
The two-time U.S. Open champ’s contract with the rebel golf league ends after this season and, according to The Athletic, he will be seeking a $500 million deal from LIV.
It comes as LIV deals with an uncertain future with Saudi Arabia’s Public Invest Fund (PIF) expected to pull their resources from the tour after this season.
That will force LIV to seek a significant cash infusion to stay alive after starting the league with an open checkbook from PIF that allowed them to poach players such as DeChambeau, Jon Rahm and Brooks Koepka from the PGA Tour.
The Athletic reported that DeChambeau — even before the LIV rumblings started — met with different organizations during Masters week to understand his options if he chose to leave the tour.
DeChambeau has plenty of leverage. The 32-year-old has a huge YouTube following which would allow him to have financial success even outside of week-to-week tournaments.
DeChambeau had on add week at LIV’s Mexico City event. He was seen on Friday angrily complaining about the course conditions at Club de Golf Chapultepec and then pulled out of the tournament on Sunday morning with an apparent wrist injury.
“I experienced some discomfort in my wrist during yesterday’s round and have decided to withdraw from the final round of LIV Golf Mexico City to prevent further injury,” DeChambeau wrote on social media. “Not how I wanted this week to go, but wishing the Crushers a strong finish. I’m going to take a few days to get evaluated and hope to be ready for LIV Golf Virginia.”
The Athletic reported that DeChambeau “seemed frustrated” and walked past young fans who wanted autographs without signing on Saturday after a 2-over round.
DeChambeau and Rahm, who went on to win the Mexico City tournament, were seen having a lengthy conversation on Thursday before the tournament started that drew the attention of their fellow players.
