LIV Golf’s Bryson DeChambeau spoke about the historic merger between the PGA Tour, the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF) and the DP World Tour that was announced on Tuesday, when he made an interesting suggestion about the controversial PIF.
Since its inception, LIV Golf has been controversial, and not just because of its goal of competing with the largest professional golf circuit on the planet. Being endorsed by the PIF has created a great debate about its financing of terrorism before and after the 9/11 attacks on the United States.
During an interview this week after the merger, DeChambeau was asked what he would say to those families devastated by the 9/11 attacks who lost loved ones.
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Bryson DeChambeau watches his shot from the fourth tee during the first round of the 2023 PGA Championship at Oak Hill Country Club on May 18, 2023 in Rochester, New York. (Andres Redington/Getty Images)
«I think we will never be able to pay the families back for exactly what happened a little over 20 years ago and what happened is definitely horrible,» he told CNN. «I think as time has passed, 20 years have passed, we’re now in a place where it’s time to start trying to work together to make things better together as a whole.
«I don’t know exactly what they’re feeling. I can never know what they’re feeling, but I have great respect for their position and what they believe. I don’t want that to happen either.» again.
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“I think as we move forward, we have to look down the path of peace and forgiveness, especially if we’re trying to fix the world and make it a better place. I think this is what they are trying to achieve. , LIV is trying to achieve, PIF is trying to achieve. We are all trying to achieve a better world for everyone with entertainment for everyone around the world.»
9/11 Families United president Terry Strada called out PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan earlier this week for using his stories «to smear LIV Golf» for its ties to the PIF when the rival circuit came forward. as a threat to the Tour.
Strada spoke on «America’s Newsroom,» where she said she was shocked to learn of the merger.
Bryson DeChambeau plays his shot from the first tee during a practice round before the 2023 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 3, 2023 in Augusta, Georgia. (Ross Kinnaird/Getty Images)
«I’m very disappointed and it was a real shock to wake up yesterday and read these headlines,» Strada told host Bill Hemmer.
«It’s unfortunate what happened and something I can’t necessarily talk about. I’m a golfer,» DeChambeau added. “But what I can say is that what they are trying to do, what they are trying to work on is to be better allies because we are allies with them. I’m not going to get into politics, I don’t specialize in it. What I can say is that they are trying to do good for the world and show themselves in a light that hasn’t been seen for a long time.
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«No one is perfect, but we are all trying to improve in life.»
DeChambeau reportedly received a $150 million signing bonus to jump off the PGA Tour to LIV Golf. He was among the group that cashed in, while others like Rory McIlroy and Tiger Woods stayed loyal to the Tour despite also reportedly receiving nine-figure offers.
The merger irritated players who refused money in exchange for loyalty.
LIV golfer Bryson DeChambeau tees off on the 13th hole during the first round of the LIV Golf Invitational Series Chicago on September 16, 2022 at Rich Harvest Farms in Sugar Grove, Illinois. (Photo by Brian Spurlock/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
The PIF will be the main financial backer of this new entity, according to Tuesday’s merger statement, while all litigation between the respective tours will be put to rest.
«This is the best thing to happen to golf and I’m extremely proud to be a part of it,» DeChambeau said.
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«I truly believe that in the end, the game of golf wins in this scenario.»
Fox News’ Paulina Dedaj contributed to this report.