Money vs. Loyalty: DeChambeau and Thomas Detail Golf’s LIV vs. PGA Tour Division Ahead of U.S. Open

It’s a concept that’s common in the business world and in other sports as well. Money or loyalty—which is more important?

There is no right answer, as it’s a personal and individual decision. And we’re seeing it come to fruition in the world of golf with this division between PGA Tour pros and those leaving to play in the LIV Golf Invitational Series.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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After just a week apart, golfers from both series meet this week at The Country Club at Brookline in suburban Boston, and the schism in golf is a main topic of conversation in the days leading up to the start of the event.

Bryson DeChambeau, who will be playing in the next LIV event later this month in Portland, Oregon, is leaving for a reported $100 million payday—similar to what Dustin Johnson and Phil Mickelson received before.

And that’s just an appearance fee. Prize money on the LIV circuit is also huge, as Charl Schwartzel won a total of $4.8 million for winning last week’s inaugural event in the London area.

🗣️”It was a business decision”
🗣️”I would love to play PGA Tour events”

Bryson DeChambeau addresses his decision to join the LIV Golf series ⛳ pic.twitter.com/hCXPiCvdL0

— Sky Sports Golf (@SkySportsGolf) June 14, 2022

“It was a business decision, first and foremost,” DeChambeau said. “It’s given me a lot more opportunities outside of the game of golf and given me more time with my family and my future family. So for me, that was the decision,” he added, referring to the eight-tournament schedule of the LIV tour.

Justin Thomas, one of the staunch defenders of the PGA Tour, expressed his sadness over the split and that all of the world’s best players will not be competing on a regular basis.

He said:

“I tossed and turned and lost a lot of sleep last week thinking about what could potentially happen, and I grew up my entire life wanting to play the PGA Tour, wanting to break records, make history, play Presidents Cups, play Ryder Cups… It just makes me sad, because like I said, I’ve grown up my entire life wanting to do that, and I don’t want to do anything else. The people that have gone, like I said, they have the decision that they’re entitled to make. Not necessarily that I agree with it one way or the other, but everything has got a price, I guess.”

Cover Image Via Twitter