Former US Open champion Bryson Dichambue has become the latest big name to sign with Saudi-funded Breakway Series LIV Golf, as Charles Schwartzel won a maximum of $ 6.75 million at his opening event outside London.
Such large sums of money have already persuaded a long line of leading golfers – though none from the top 10 so far – to accept offers from the series bankrolled by the Saudi Sovereign Wealth Fund. DeChambeu has yet to explain why he took a turn to join the list, saying earlier that he would continue playing on the PGA Tour. This may not be possible now, as the PGA Tour announced Thursday that defective players in the Renegade series will face expulsion from future tour events.
DeChambeau will join a series that has already featured Dustin Johnson and Phil Mickelson, among golfers who have spent weeks questioning Saudi Arabia’s decision to sign up over human rights abuses.
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In the course of the য়ার 5.7 million individual first prize fight in the Schwartzel 54-hole event, four-under 66 shots went ahead by three shots ahead of fellow South African Henny du Plessis. Both players are on the Stinger team who are leading the way in sharing the $ 4.3 million purse for the best four-member team.
DeChambeau’s signature was announced shortly after the second round was held.
“He’s a sports fan, innovative in his approach and committed to pushing the boundaries in his quest for excellence,” LIV Golf chief executive Greg Norman said in a statement. “He is not afraid to think outside the box and supports the mission of working differently to improve our game. The energy and strength he brings to the course will add extra power to our competition in Portland and beyond. “
The 28th-ranked American could make his LIV golf debut on June 30 at Pumpkin Ridge in Portland, Oregon.
“I don’t know what the field will be like in Portland,” said Martin Keimer, a two-time winner. “If you can play against more players at the top of the world rankings … it’s also proof that this tour and this tournament are going in the right direction.
“They’re in their frame, they’re doing what they promised to do with the game of golf, and in a few weeks, that event has been great so far, especially in the time frame.”
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