Scott O’Neil says if LIV Golf can survive if Bryson DeChambeau leaves
· Yahoo Sports
LIV Golf’s future is in serious doubt, and much of their hope lies in Bryson DeChambeau.
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The two-time major winner is undoubtedly the league’s biggest star. Since the rise of his online following, DeChambeau has quickly become one of the most popular figures in sport, and the face of LIV Golf.
But since the Saudi Public Investment Fund withdrew its support of LIV, the future of the league beyond this year has become shrouded in uncertainty, especially because DeChambeau’s contract is up at the end of 2026.
DeChambeau has publicly said that he’s willing to step away from full-time competition to focus on content creation, and was spotted speaking to PGA Tour officials at The Masters to reportedly discuss a return.
That’s the last thing LIV need as they seek new investment for 2027 and beyond.
Photo by Sarah Reed/Getty ImagesLIV Golf CEO Scott O’Neil says if the league can survive without Bryson DeChambeau
Many believe that DeChambeau leaving would effectively signal the end of LIV Golf, and that was put to CEO Scott O’Neil in an interview with CNBC.
While O’Neil admitted that DeChambeau brings incredible star power, he insisted that there is enough young talent on the tour for it to survive without him.
He said, “The difference between this league and many others is that this tour is made by the players. This business plan, Bryson was involved in the design of the business plan.
“So yes, he’s engaged, he committed, but this is not just about Bryson DeChambeau, who’s an extraordinary star and one of the great stars in sport, way beyond golf. But we have an incredible laundry list of megastars, and I think it matters to have stars.
He continued, “The good news is we have a whole constellation of stars on LIV Golf. We also have this young emerging core of talent – the David Puigs, Jose Ballester, Caleb Surratt, Tom McKibbin. These guys are going to the moon and back.
“Some of those names I mentioned may not be household names, but they are getting mentored and taught by the greats of the game, and they will win majors.”
It’s notable that O’Neil didn’t dismiss the possibility that DeChambeau might leave entirely. The American truly could be out the door once the season concludes.
Scott O’Neil gives update on Jon Rahm’s future after claims of unhappiness
Unlike DeChambeau, whose contract ends this year, his fellow LIV Golf superstar Jon Rahm is under contract for the foreseeable future. As long as LIV exists, Rahm is likely to be on the tour.
The Spaniard looks to be rueing his current contract. He’s cut a frustrated figure of late, and even admitted that LIV did a good job of ensuring he can’t get out of his deal if he wanted to.
Despite these comments, O’Neil insists he’s committed to the future of the league: “I can tell you, first thing, he’s one of the greatest golfers on the planet.
“Seeing what he’s done, he’s won twice on tour this year, and seeing him chase down his teammate Tyrrell Hatton and almost catch him at Valderrama was very, very special.
“I can tell you, I spoke to him through text quite a few times, we were back and forth this morning, this is different.
“And I know it’s hard for others in the golf industry to understand, but this is a group that is committed to their teams, committed to the league, and committed to this program. Reimagining team golf, truly growing the game around the world, and making an impact.”
Rahm’s comments and body language do not align with O’Neil’s comments, but that’s relatively irrelevant. As long as LIV is still around, Rahm will be forced to play on the tour, even if he’s the last star left.