Brandel Chamblee makes feelings crystal clear on why LIV Golf "failed"

Brandel Chamblee says LIV Golf "failed" because Saudi Arabia assumed fans of the sport could be purchased along with the players.

It remains to be seen whether the breakaway tour, which launched four years ago, will survive in 2026. 

Saudi Arabia's PIF announced after the 2026 Masters it was withdrawing its multi-billion dollar backing of the venture at the end of the season, forcing their embattled CEO Scott O'Neil to search for alternative funding. 

LIV Golf say they have secured an unnamed lead investor, understood to be London-based private equity firm BC Partners, to keep the league afloat. 

There is work to be done to get the deal over the line though and it appears the agreement may be contingent on star names such as Bryson DeChambeau and Jon Rahm sticking around. 

DeChambeau has made it clear he wishes to stay with LIV and also play on the PGA Tour again at the same time. 

Reports suggest Rahm is looking increasingly likely to leave though, with Telegraph Sport claiming LIV officials are resigned to losing the Spaniard. 

Against that backdrop, Chamblee has offered a brutal assessment of the current situation. 

"The Saudis have successfully invested in other sports," Chamblee posted on X. 

"Why did their attempts to take over golf fail?

"LIV could purchase the players, but it couldn't purchase their credibility—or the audience that had made them valuable in the first place.

"LIV assumed golf fans could be bought along with the players. They couldn't. 

"The audience saw through the sportwashing and recognized self-interest masquerading as principle.

"Perhaps ridding itself of the Saudi sportswashing connection will give LIV new life, but it’s hard to imagine an anemic version of the tour will succeed where the bloated one failed."

Chamblee has been one of LIV Golf's harshest critics and has attacked the league since its inception. 

Phil Mickelson has undoubtedly been his primary target, with the former PGA Tour winner previously declaring that the six-time major champion should be removed from golf's hall of fame. 

"He's caused irreparable damage to the game," Chamblee previously said. 

"And if the [PGA] Tour’s philanthropic aspect dies, the autopsy should read LIV. It should read Phil."

LIV Golf cancel Team Championship

Chamblee's comments come as LIV Golf players have reportedly been told their season-ending Team Championship has been cancelled. 

Tickets for the $40m event in Michigan can no longer be purchased on their website. 

LIV Golf are still yet to officially comment on the status of the tournament. 

It means that LIV will bring the curtain down on another tumultuous season next week in Indianapolis. 

The aforementioned Rahm wrapped up his third individual title at LIV's stop in New York. 

Tyrrell Hatton enters British Masters

Elsewhere, England's Tyrrell Hatton has decided to enter the British Masters.

The tournament, hosted by Sir Nick Faldo at The Belfry, clashed with LIV's season finale. 

But a host of players now have a free week. 

Hatton is not the only LIV Golf player to commit to the $3.5m event. 

Ireland's Tom McKibbin and Poland's Adrian Meronk will also peg it up over 27-30 August.