(Los Angeles) American golfer Bryson DeChambeau said on Tuesday he understood the criticism leveled at the dissident Saudi-funded league LIV over human rights issues, but said people should “move on” after past “bad” Saudi actions.
Posted yesterday at 10:37 p.m.
The 2020 US Open champion was speaking ahead of Thursday’s kickoff of the first US event – and the second since the LIV’s inception – at Pumpkin Ridge in North Plains, Oregon.
Asked about concerns over financial backers for the new circuit, the 28-year-old American said people need to consider the good things LIV could bring.
“Golf is a force for good and […] I hope people will see the good that they are doing and what they are trying to achieve rather than looking at the bad that has been done before,” DeChambeau said.
With 25 million dollars in prize money for each of its tournaments, the LIV, financially supported by Saudi Arabia, far exceeds the bonuses at stake on the American PGA Tour, which organizes a large part of professional golf.
Asked about concerns over Saudi involvement, four-time winner Brooks Koepka said: “We are here to play golf. We are pleased. We’re going to go out there, put on the best show we can. »
American Pat Perez, who is also making his LIV debut this week, replied: “I have no worries. I play golf. This group has given me an opportunity to play golf and have a different schedule and that is my only concern”.
“I understand the topics you’re trying to address, and these are horrific events, but I’m here to play golf,” he continued.
The players claimed to have joined LIV Golf in particular because of a more restricted calendar – only eight events this year – and greater financial allocations. “I wanted to spend more time with my kids,” said 2018 Masters winner Patrick Reed.