Bryson DeChambeau has seemingly gone on the attack and taken shots at the PGA Tour amid doubts over the future of LIV Golf.
Of course, there is a huge question mark hanging over LIV Golf right now. They are facing a race against time to secure funding for next season.
Do you agree with Bryson DeChambeau’s assessment of the PGA Tour?
He's also not convinced he should face sanctions were he to return…
They are also running out of time to agree a new contract with Bryson DeChambeau, with his current deal expiring at the end of the season.
While those associated with LIV were defiant in their comments at their Mexico City event after The Masters, it is intriguing that players now seem to be dropping a few more hints about their futures.
Bryson DeChambeau is speaking much more openly about his future amid doubts over LIV Golf
Obviously, DeChambeau has not said that he will leave. But it is interesting that he has now spoken to ESPN about the prospect of facing penalties should he return to the PGA Tour.
DeChambeau was not particularly glowing in his praise of his former tour. He suggested that the PGA Tour is not doing as well as it would like, and that he brings enough to the table to ensure that he should not face similar sanctions to Brooks Koepka.
He also expressed a willingness to focus on growing his YouTube channel.
Only DeChambeau will know where he wants to be playing after this season. But perhaps it would be fair to say that his criticism of the PGA Tour should be music to the ears of those at Ponte Vedra.
After Koepka left LIV in December, DeChambeau’s rhetoric about his own future changed. He seemed to be much more willing to play the field.
He was clearly well aware of how much power he had in negotiations.
And yet, when the opportunity to return to the PGA Tour through the launch of the Returning Member Program came up, DeChambeau stayed put.
This has a similar feel to it. DeChambeau is seemingly putting himself in the strongest position possible by making it clear that he does not need the PGA Tour.
The PGA Tour will not be transformed if Bryson DeChambeau returns
Ultimately, LIV has seen all of its momentum stall despite having Jon Rahm and DeChambeau on their books.
And if LIV does fold, the PGA Tour does not need to worry about DeChambeau joining a competitor. It is hard to see him transforming the DP World Tour or the Asian Tour should he play on either.
DeChambeau’s criticism is probably valid. The PGA Tour is not a perfect product by any means. And they cannot afford to become complacent again just because LIV’s threat is diminishing with each passing day.
But that will all be true whether DeChambeau returns or not. The PGA Tour should, therefore, not be afraid to call his bluff.
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