LIV Golf CEO Says DeChambeau Committed Despite Funding Loss

The future of LIV Golf and its players has emerged as golf's top story since reports surfaced that the Saudi-backed Public Investment Fund will end its primary funding after the 2026 season.

Several golfers have reacted to the Public Investment Fund's withdrawal from LIV. Some said they have no interest in returning to the PGA Tour, while others expressed belief in the LIV model.

Jon Rahm took a different approach. After years of disputes with the DP World Tour, he resolved those issues and regained eligibility for its events.

Bryson DeChambeau, LIV's biggest star and one of the world's top players in talent and fan appeal, has stayed vague about his plans. His contract expires after this season. Asked about a PGA Tour return, he gave a non-committal response and dismissed potential penalties. He added that he would commit full time to YouTube golf to build his channel.

LIV Golf CEO Scott O'Neil, however, said DeChambeau is committed to staying. In an interview with Alan Bastable of Golf.com, O'Neil discussed player talks and contracts.

"Discussions with players are constantly in motion, though DeChambeau's situation naturally commands the most spotlight," O'Neil said. "He has proven to be an exceptional partner, arguably the most popular figure in the sport today. He is winning, embraces the team format, and remains a staunch believer in the LIV vision."

"Bryson is more pro-LIV than I am," O'Neil continued. DeChambeau also wants to join investor meetings. "We actually spoke yesterday [Tuesday] about him joining me for meetings with potential investors," O'Neil explained. "I believe that will serve as a definitive indicator of exactly what's going to transpire."

O'Neil said LIV needs a specific amount from outside investors to keep operating but declined to give details. Challenges include selecting the right partners and targeting areas of value, he told Bastable.

For O'Neil, that means expanding elite competition to new markets and promoting team golf worldwide. LIV can make team golf a permanent feature and tap nationalism, he said.

"In Australia, fans are out in droves, donning Rippers gear and supporting Cam Smith and his squad with unrivaled intensity. The same energy is felt in South Africa, where national anthems and emotional displays on the first tee suggest that the league has tapped into something truly unique," he said.

O'Neil, who started as CEO in January 2025, found internal documents showing LIV's biggest critics had made offers to join. "I looked at all the players who wanted to play for LIV, many of whom would surprise you quite a bit," he said. "Our biggest critics all made offers to come play, all of them, every one of them."

He did not name names like Rory McIlroy, Tiger Woods, Scottie Scheffler or Adam Scott.

Asked what he would change if starting LIV from scratch, O'Neil replied, "I would say a lot of what you'll see in the next 10 days or so is exactly what we would have built from scratch from the beginning."

O'Neil aims to secure new funding after the PIF announcement. He said he enjoys the challenge.