Bryson DeChambeau Attacks OWGR Over ‘Frustrating’ LIV Golf Exclusion: ‘Have Fulfilled Every Single Criteria’

LIV Golf has done everything that OWGR asked for. If you check the handbooks, the PIF-funded league has checked all the boxes. Yet, when it came to walking the talk, the supreme points of authority backtracked. Bryson DeChambeau can’t fathom why.

DeChambeau, who slipped to 169th from 24th at his last PGA Tour event, was chatting with former PGA Tour Pro and commentator Jerry Foltz and Su-Ann Heng at the Fairway to Heaven Podcast, a LIV Golf chat show. In a pointed remark against the world rankings point-giving authority, the eight-time PGA Tour winner lambasted the officials for their hypocrisy.

Bryson DeChambeau has a direct question for OWGR officials

In the last two years, LIV Golf has incorporated the Promotions event, a pathway for new golfers to enter the fray. In addition, the International Series winner also gets a chance to come to the Saudi-backed side. Bryson DeChambeau feels that, after all this, OWGR’s stance is rather telling. “Not doing anything is deciding. And that’s frustrating.”

The 2020 U.S. Open winner added, “You know, they said you need certain requirements. We’ve fulfilled all those requirements, despite what everybody thinks. If you go look at their handbook, we have fulfilled every single criteria. (sic)” This year, LIV Golf has opened more avenues for players to tee up at LIV Golf without signing a contract. In each event, two wildcard entrants will get a chance to win the $4 million reserved for the top spot.

The 34-year-old asked pointedly, “It’s been over two years now. What’s going on, guys?” Notably, the OWGR cited the team aspect of LIV Golf as the key reason why they couldn’t find a workaround. Per OWGR officials, there is a conflict between playing for the team and simultaneously advancing one’s own goals in golf.

Nevertheless, Dechambeau hasn’t lost sight of the crux of the matter—majors. The LIV golf pro remarked, “It’s a bit frustrating, but nothing we can do at this moment… We showcase ourselves in the major championships; there’s no way they can keep us out. We just got to play at the majors.”

Notably, Augusta National has extended an invitation to Joaquin Niemann, who was otherwise not qualified for the Masters. Fred Ridley, the Augusta National chairman, certainly set a precedent by acknowledging Niemann’s grind outside the LIV. Interestingly enough, Bryson DeChambeau earlier advocated for a new pathway for LIV golfers as well.

DeChambeau thinks LIV players deserve a spot

The main concern with regards to world ranking points is obviously the majors. That’s also why Joaquin Niemann was toiling at Asian Tour events to earn the precious points that might float him back to the top 50 or at least keep him within the top 100 in the OWGR. DeChambeau wafted a rather simpler solution in October.

Read More: What Is OWGR? Why Are PGA Tour and LIV Golf Dependent on It?

Considering the powerhouse of talent that LIV has become, DeChambeau suggested that, other than the World Ranking, the USGA, R&A, PGA, and Augusta National should also look at the season-ending table of LIV Golf. That proposal hasn’t found backing outside the breakaway side. So far, it’s unclear if other major hosts will follow Augusta’s suit. But Bryson DeChambeau sure believes they should, unless OWGR changes its stance.

Also Read: Jon Rahm Update: LIV Golf Pro’s Woes Pile Up Amid Latest OWGR Controversy