"I was totally shocked."
Bryson DeChambeau of the United States made the remark while meeting local reporters on Thursday, a day before the opening of LIV Golf Virginia at Trump National Golf Club in Washington, D.C., saying, "I had no prior knowledge of it."
Recalling his 2022 conversation with Yasir Al-Rumayyan, governor of Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF), DeChambeau said, "Until just a few months ago, we were told that funding was secured through 2032." He added, "I never expected something like this to happen," referring to the PIF ending its support starting next year. Still, he said, "They gave me the opportunity to play golf around the world, win, and make a positive impact on the world. I don't want to say anything bad about them."
DeChambeau said that if LIV Golf is discontinued next year, he will focus on his YouTube channel and triple his subscriber base. Currently with 2.69 million subscribers, DeChambeau said, "I want to dub my content in multiple languages so that many more people can watch my YouTube."
He was reserved when asked about a possible return to the PGA Tour. "It will depend on what the PGA Tour people say and what sanctions I may face," he said. "I will only participate in tournaments that want me."
DeChambeau has nine career victories on the PGA Tour, including two majors. He has won five times on LIV Golf.
