Bryson DeChambeau was one of the first big-name players to turn his back on the PGA Tour and join the Saudi-backed LIV Golf League.
The two-time US Open winner reportedly signed a $125 million four-year contract with LIV back in June 2022. There’s an argument to suggest that the American is one of the few players to gain popularity after quitting the PGA Tour.
DeChambeau’s social media stunts, coupled with his elite-level golfing ability, have turned him into a fan favourite. DeChambeau loves the LIV Golf brand, and it’s clear he doesn’t regret the decision he made two years ago.
After the likes of DeChambeau, Brooks Koepka, Ian Poulter, Phil Mickelson, and Lee Westwood made their LIV decision, Centurion Golf Club in St Albans was the stage for a new era of golf to begin. DeChambeau, however, wasn’t present in the United Kingdom.
The 31-year-old’s debut came a matter of weeks later at Pumpkin Ridge Golf Club outside of Portland.
What did Bryson DeChambeau say before his LIV Golf debut in Portland
Before the event, DeChambeau was thrust in front of the world’s media, who were eagerly awaiting his first words as LIV Golf player.
“Thanks, guys. Glad to be here,” DeChambeau initially said. “I think the most interesting thing for me about all of this is the team format. Obviously, being part of a Ryder Cup and Presidents Cup and having this opportunity to be a captain and have a team has been extremely intriguing to me.”
He added: “It’s unique, different, something that I’ve always been about, and I think that from an innovation side of things, this is what I wanted to be part of. I wanted to be a part of something unique, cool, different, and fun. And it’s what this has given me the opportunity to do.
“So, as time moves forward, I think the team aspect is super awesome. I can’t wait to be able to showcase a lot of fun out there on the golf course with my team.”
What happened during Bryson DeChambeau’s first-ever LIV Golf event
DeChambeau kicked off his first-ever LIV Golf round with a level-par round in Portland before carding three under on day two.
The American, however, failed to mount a challenge during the final round, eventually finishing the tournament in 10th place.
South African Branden Grace won the event, posting a four-round score of 13 under, two shots clear of Mexican Carlos Ortiz.
DeChambeau’s first LIV Golf win came the following season at Greenbrier, where he famously shot 58. He also won two weeks later in Chicago.
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