Bryson: 'Giving all I can' to make LIV's future happen

Count LIV Golf's most bankable star, Bryson DeChambeau, among those who were shocked by the news that the Saudi PIF was pulling funding from the golf circuit following the 2026 season.

DeChambeau, who's in the final year of his LIV contract, admitted Tuesday that he didn't see the news coming but is trying to take a positive view of the situation as he prepares to defend his title at LIV Korea.

"We were surprised that they pulled out as quickly as they did," DeChambeau said at his pre-tournament press conference, according to ASAP Sports. "We didn't really see that coming. But that's OK. One door closes, another opens. I think that's the way a lot of us are looking at it. I think we all have optimism that there is a business plan that makes sense for team golf."

Team golf is something DeChambeau has talked about at length during his time with LIV, and he said Tuesday it's a major reason he's working behind the scenes to secure investment to keep the league afloat next year.

"We'll see if investors like it or not," DeChambeau said. "I'm giving all I can to make it happen, and if it doesn't, it doesn't happen."

DeChambeau's presence unquestionably increases LIV's chances of success, even without the PIF's backing. While Jon Rahm might be the top player on the circuit, nobody draws more eyeballs than DeChambeau.

Though DeChambeau seems willing to help LIV CEO Scott O'Neill raise capital to keep the league going next season, he outlined a simple approach when asked how he'd put long-term planning aside once he gets on the course.

"I go out there on the first tee on Thursday and hit a beautiful drive down the middle of the fairway, hopefully," DeChambeau said with a grin. "That's what we're focused on. In the background, yeah, we're trying to help where we can, but ultimately it's up to executives and everybody banding together. If we all band together, there's an opportunity here. If not, it's going to be a different day for all of us."

Meanwhile, fellow star Dustin Johnson kept things much more succinct, as he has throughout his career.