Bryson DeChambeau: “That’s frickin’ impossible” after LIV Golf funding bombshell

Bryson DeChambeau has revealed he was left stunned when he first discovered that the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF) would be ending its financial backing of LIV Golf beyond the 2026 season.

Like much of the golf world, DeChambeau, 32, said the news came completely out of the blue. 

Speaking in an interview Tuesday with GOLF’s Alan Bastable, the two-time U.S. Open champion admitted he had no prior warning of the decision.

“Same day as everybody else,” DeChambeau told GOLF of when he first learned of the PIF’s decision. 

“I didn’t know. It was quite quick.”

The update was delivered to him directly by LIV Golf CEO Scott O’Neil, and DeChambeau’s immediate reaction reflected just how unexpected the development was.

“There’s no way. That’s frickin’ impossible, considering what I’d heard a couple months earlier. I thought there was a plan through 2032. It was a flip of the switch.

“I wish [the PIF] the best of luck. I just wish they would have stayed in a little longer, because we’re really close on the team side, for every team being profitable.”

The shock announcement was formally confirmed on 30 April, when the Saudi sovereign wealth fund stated it would withdraw its long-term investment in LIV Golf following the conclusion of the 2026 season. 

The decision ended weeks of speculation surrounding the future of the breakaway league, which has relied entirely on PIF funding since its launch in 2022.

It is widely estimated that the PIF has invested around $5 billion into LIV Golf to date, making its exit a significant turning point for the league. 

LIV must now secure new financial backing to ensure its long-term survival — a challenge CEO O’Neil has already begun tackling.

O’Neil has already assembled a new team of bankers and advisors to help attract fresh investment into the five-year-old circuit. 

While the task ahead is considerable, he insists it is one he is ready to take on.

“Guys, remember, when my phone rings, it never is the case that everything is going well,” O’Neil told reporters ahead of this week’s LIV Golf Virginia event.

“I am not a status quo manager. I never have been. Like this is what I do... so, it would be naive to be surprised, and it would be irresponsible to be thinking anything else other than how far we have to go to make sure that we can continue to grow this game around the world.”

Despite the uncertainty, DeChambeau suggested there is a sense of renewed optimism within LIV’s ranks. 

When asked about the current mood around the league, he framed the situation as a potential opportunity rather than a setback.

“You can always look at it in numerous ways; I view it as an opportunity,” DeChambeau said.

“Anytime a door closes, another one opens. I don’t think if a door closes, you’re just locked in forever.

"For us, this is the opportunity that we have in this country and also internationally, the freedom and the opportunity to build businesses.

"If it’s restructured in the right way, and people see the value of team golf, and want to be a part of something special, I think there’s opportunity out there.”

However, LIV Golf’s uncertain future is not the only question mark hanging over DeChambeau. 

The Crushers captain's current contract with the league is set to expire at the end of this season, leaving his next move unclear.

He has already dismissed speculation linking him with a return to the PGA Tour, previously describing such rumours as “completely untrue.” 

But speaking this week ahead of LIV Golf Virginia, DeChambeau hinted he could take a very different path if LIV were to fold.

"I'd love to do a bunch of dubbing in different languages, giving the world more reason to watch YouTube," DeChambeau told reporters Wednesday.

"And then I'd love to play tournaments that want me."

While LIV Golf’s financial outlook appears uncertain, DeChambeau was also quick to point out that its main rival is not without its own challenges.

"There's a few different models," DeChambeau said of LIV Golf's future.

"Look, the PGA Tour isn't doing great either. Let's be honest about the situation.

"They've got the media. They've got everybody on the side that helps pump it up.

"But they're reducing field sizes, cutting employees, and restructuring their business too."

DeChambeau's comments follow confirmation that the PGA Tour recently laid off 56 staff members as part of a wider organisational shake-up — roughly four per cent of its global workforce of more than 1,300 employees.

As the debate over the future of professional golf continues, both tours now face pivotal moments. 

LIV Golf returns this week with its Virginia event at Trump National in Washington D.C., while the PGA Tour hosts the Truist Championship at Quail Hollow Club, headlined by Rory McIlroy.