Former US Open champion Bryson DeChambeau has joined the Saudi-backed LIV Golf Invitational Series a week after saying he was “loyal” and couldn’t take the risk.
DeChambeau had previously been linked with the Breakaway circuit, but said in February, “As long as the best players in the world are playing on the PGA Tour, so will I.”
Dustin Johnson also said he “fully committed himself to the PGA Tour” on the same day, but subsequently quit his membership and is taking part in the inaugural £20million LIV Golf event at Centurion Club this week.
Minutes after the first shots rang out Thursday, the PGA Tour suspended all 17 participating players on the field despite being denied the necessary clearances.
PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan added: “The same fate applies to any other player who participates in future Saudi Golf League events in violation of our regulations.”
After missing the cut at the Masters, DeChambeau underwent hand surgery and returned with another missed cut at last week’s Memorial Tournament, where he was asked if the injury affected his decision-making regarding the LIV Golf League.
“Personally, I don’t think I’m at a point in my career at this point in my career where I can risk something like that,” said the hard-hitting American. “I’m loyal to my family that I’ve built with sponsors and everything around me.”
One of DeChambeau’s sponsors, Rocket Mortgage, immediately ended his relationship with the 28-year-old American amid news of his imminent move to LIV Golf.
Greg Norman, CEO of LIV Golf, which is expected to sign additional players ahead of the second event in Portland, Oregon, June 30-July 2, said, “Bryson DeChambeau is an exciting addition to LIV Golf’s supercharged style of play.
“He is passionate about the sport, innovative in his approach and committed to pushing the boundaries in the pursuit of excellence.”
South Africa’s Branden Grace welcomed the addition of DeChambeau and believes the PGA Tour may be forced to change its stance as more players sign up.
“You would think so,” Grace said. “But I really don’t care what they do. I canceled my membership so I made that decision. It was a great opportunity that I couldn’t pass up.”
The DP World Tour is yet to comment on how it will treat the Rebel players, with two-time Major winner Martin Kaymer expecting they will wait until the current mixed event in Sweden ends on Sunday.
Kaymer and Sergio Garcia remain on the entry list for the BMW International Open in two weeks and Kaymer said he hasn’t heard anything to suggest he won’t be allowed to play.
“I have not heard anything. I plan to play in Munich,” he said.
On course, former Masters champion Charl Schwartzel remains in pole position to win the $4 million first prize on Saturday after adding a 66 to his opening 65 to nine under par reach, three strokes ahead of Hennie Du Plessis.
The South African pair are both part of Stinger Golf Club in the four-man team event, meaning they have a seven-shot lead and are on track to share another $3 million.
Six-time Major winner Phil Mickelson, contesting his first event since February, struggled for a second round of 75 to drop 13 strokes off pace.
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