Bryson DeChambeau makes stunning PGA Tour claim after whirlwind LIV Golf week

Bryson DeChambeau has insisted he remains committed to LIV Golf while revealing he would welcome the opportunity to play PGA Tour events again if the two tours can eventually find a way to co-exist.

Speaking exclusively to The New York Post following a whirlwind few days for LIV Golf, the two-time U.S. Open champion said he was "100 per cent" sure about the league's future and reiterated his desire to help make the breakaway circuit work beyond this season. 

However, DeChambeau also made it clear he does not view the future of professional golf as an either-or situation.

"My ultimate goal is to have golf course stadiums, similar to the PGA Tour's TPC Sawgrass model, with our teams having their own golf course as a stadium," DeChambeau told the New York Post. 

"Personally, I'd love to be able to play events on the PGA Tour, too. I think that's best for golf. I'd love that. It's not an either/or mentality. It's 'can we do both?' I think that's where everybody wants to be."

DeChambeau, who still remains suspended on the PGA Tour as a result of his reported $125m move to LIV Golf in 2022, added: "There isn't a golf fan on the planet who doesn't want to see me play a big Tour event, and I get that.

"I'd love to go play events that make sense, love to play team golf, and love to play wherever they'll let me."

PGA Tour CEO Rolapp shuts down LIV Golf merger talk

Despite learning of DeChambeau's latest comments, PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp has rushed to shut down talk of a potential merger between the two tours.

Rolapp told Bloomberg today "there is no merger, no conversations" with LIV Golf.

DeChambeau remains committed to LIV Golf

DeChambeau's multi-year LIV Golf contract is due to expire after the end of this season, but the Crushers GC captain has repeatedly stated that he intends to remain with the league if it continues beyond 2026.

In his latest comments to the New York Post, the 32-year-old has confirmed he is "100 per cent" certain of the league's future.

DeChambeau's stance has remained unchanged despite a series of reports surrounding LIV's finances, investment structure and the future of its biggest stars.

The American has previously indicated he would be comfortable taking a very different route if LIV Golf were ultimately to disappear.

DeChambeau has suggested he could focus on YouTube Golf and the four majors, alongside any other tournaments that invited him.

For now, however, his preference appears to be finding a way for LIV Golf and the PGA Tour to soon operate alongside one another. 

That would be DeChambeau's dream scenario. 

LIV Golf players hold meeting at Bedminster

DeChambeau's latest comments come 72 hours after he held a 30-minute players meeting at Trump National GC Bedminster. 

The meeting became a major talking point given the uncertainty surrounding LIV's future, although players offered little information. 

Cleeks GC's Richard Bland described the atmosphere as positive, but indicated there were still unanswered questions surrounding future investment and whether the LIV Golf Team Championship in Michigan will go ahead as planned at the end of the month. 

Korean Golf Club captain Ben An also joked that "no fists were thrown" during the meeting, adding to the sense that the gathering was more constructive than confrontational.

The timing of the meeting was significant as just 24 hours later, LIV Golf CEO Scott O'Neil confirmed a new lead investor had emerged as the league attempts to secure its future.

LIV Golf confirms new investment talks

The Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF) confirmed earlier this year that it would no longer fund LIV Golf beyond this season, leaving the league needing to find a new financial partner if it is to continue.

O'Neil revealed on Wednesday that a new lead investor had come forward and that LIV was working towards a deal which could carry the league into 2027 and beyond.

One of the most striking elements of the proposal is the prospect of LIV's players becoming majority equity holders.

O'Neil described the plan as "a first for a major global sports league", although he offered few further details other than he hoped a deal could be finalised by September.

The announcement initially appeared to provide some much-needed certainty for LIV.

However, multiple reports since then suggest there are still significant hurdles to overcome.

DeChambeau and Rahm key to LIV's future

Hours after O'Neil's announcement, Bloomberg reported that BC Partners' credit arm is leading a group of investors exploring a financing package for LIV Golf.

The Financial Times then subsequently reported that the proposed investment is understood to be contingent on LIV retaining enough of its biggest stars to ensure the league remains commercially viable beyond 2026. 

That puts players such as DeChambeau and Jon Rahm firmly in the spotlight right now. 

There is also the complicated issue of guaranteed player payments agreed under contracts originally funded by the PIF.

Reports have emerged that a number of LIV players are still owed substantial sums, creating another obstacle for any potential change in ownership or investment structure.

According to Monday Q Info, Rahm is reportedly owed around $150 million under his existing agreement with LIV Golf. 

The Financial Times has reported that the PIF is now considering settling existing player contracts at discounted values in exchange for liability releases.

Such an arrangement could allow players to walk away from their current agreements before signing new contracts under a BC Partners-backed ownership structure.

There have even been reports that LIV has discussed a pre-packaged bankruptcy process, which could allow the league to restructure or shed historic financial obligations before new investment arrives.

That would, in theory, make the business more attractive to incoming investors, although it would represent a dramatic new chapter for the LIV Golf League.

LIV players offered equity

Uncertainty has continued after Flushing It reported that LIV players had been sent equity offers and non-binding Indications of Interest documents several weeks ago.

However, according to the report, a number of players had yet to return the paperwork.

Sources claimed that players have again been encouraged to submit the documents, with future funding understood to be dependent in part on securing commitments from some of LIV's biggest stars.

While some players fully back the plans, others are apparently less keen. 

"It’s unclear how many will commit to the future of the league, but insiders expect a significant number not to," Flushing It reported.

DeChambeau struggling at LIV Golf New York

Away from the off-course drama, DeChambeau is enduring a tournament to forget at Trump National Golf Club Bedminster. 

The Crushers captain opened with a 76 before carding a second-round 74, leaving him 8-over par in solo 50th in the 57-player field.

He has cut a frustrated figure over the first two days, especially on Thursday when he threw a tantrum on the 5th tee box. 

DeChambeau is looking to track down Rahm in the season-long Individual Championship race, but as it stands the Spaniard is on the verge of sealing a third straight title. 

Rahm is also struggling at 1-over par for the tournament in tied 27th, but that is good enough to remain clear of DeChambeau in the standings.

Niemann leads by five in New York

Torque GC's Joaquin Niemann remains out in front at LIV Golf New York. 

Niemann added a second-round 65 on Friday to move to 13-under par, enough for a commanding five-shot lead over Majesticks GC co-captain Lee Westwood, who also shot a 65.

Fireballs GC captain Sergio Garcia vaulted up the board into solo third on 7-under par courtesy of a 65 of his own.

Garcia is using a broomstick putter for the first time in competition this week, something he spoke about exclusively to us here at GolfMagic.