PGA Tour suffers biggest blow yet as LIV Golf get their man
Another player has changed his mind about joining Greg Norman’s breakaway series. George Cooper assesses what this means for the PGA Tour
After weeks of rumours, Bryson DeChambeau is the latest star to officially join the LIV Golf Invitational, an announcement which stands as the biggest setback for the PGA Tour so far.
The American had previously pledged his allegiance to the PGA Tour as recently as February. But, like Dustin Johnson, words mean very little when monumental sums of cash are involved, and DeChambeau reversed his decision and has now been confirmed as Greg Norman’s latest signing ahead of the second event in Portland.
“DeChambeau is an exciting addition to LIV Golf’s supercharged style of play,” Norman said. “He’s not afraid to think outside the box and supports our mission of doing things differently to grow our game.
“The power and energy he brings to the course will deliver added electricity to our competition in Portland and beyond.”
The 2020 US Open winner now joins an ever-growing list of players making the switch to LIV Golf from the PGA Tour, all of whom have been met with indefinite suspensions after teeing it up at Centurion for the breakaway series’ inaugural event.
But of all the acquisitions LIV Golf have reeled in so far, DeChambeau undoubtably stands as the biggest, most talked-about name in the field, and subsequently presents the most damaging blow for the PGA Tour.
Unlike the other star names making the controversial switch, DeChambeau is at the peak of his powers, offering a huge draw and considerable leverage for the Saudi-backed series as this ongoing saga continues.
Say what you will about the eccentric big hitter, but he is far from the twilight of his career, and significantly changes the narrative bestowed by public opinion upon the current field.
Having even missed two months due to injury this year, DeChambeau moves the needle like few others in the sport, and will no doubt influence fellow peers to follow suit and make the contentious switch. With Rickie Fowler, Bubba Watson and Patrick Reed all reportedly imminent as the next trio joining LIV Golf, it now all comes down to the majors.
Among absurd team names, bizarre presentation, and some woefully out of touch interviews, LIV Golf is somehow no longer a parody. Money talks, and DeChambeau’s announcement signals that what may appear a circus at face value, is now a legitimate threat – one which is here to stay.
The majors ultimately hold the key. Prohibit LIV golfers from participating in future championships, and the PGA Tour maintains all the leverage power once more. But if each governing body allows them to bounce between the rebel circuit and golf’s four most prestigious events, DeChambeau won’t be the only star name transiting to LIV Golf at the peak of his prime.
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George Cooper
A golf fanatic his entire life, George Cooper is NCG's man for all goings-on at the top level of the game, whether it's the PGA Tour, DP World Tour, LPGA or LIV Golf. He also looks after NCG's Twitter and Facebook accounts. George is a member of Woburn, but is not friends with Ian Poulter.
