The PGA Tour legend Tiger Woods expressed his disappointment in the players joining LIV Golf. The 15-time major champion revealed his concerns about the league players and their ambiguous future in professional golf recently. And LIV Golf player and 1-time major winner, Bryson DeChambeau, has a response to it.
In his statement Woods stated: “Who knows what’s going to happen in the near future with world-ranking points,” He added, “some of these players may not ever get a chance to play in major championships.”
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The Saudi-backed league has gotten many players to sign up with them from the Tours by offering them millions of appearing fees and bigger purses. Notably, the LIV group had reportedly offered Woods almost a billion dollars to join them, which he rejected.
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Although LIV Golf has applied to get approval from the Official World Golf Rankings, nothing has been confirmed as of yet. The OWGR points are important to get qualified for the major tournaments.
Bryson DeChambeau’s response to Tiger Woods’ statement
“I respect everybody’s opinions,” the 28-year-old said after round 1 of the Open Championship. “I have no position on it.” Furthermore, he added, “For me, it was the best decision for me at that point in time and still is.”
Reportedly, LIV Golf has offered $100+ million to DeChambeau to play in its Invitational Series. And he has revealed that he joined the league because of its two features; money and free time to pursue his passions other than golf.
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How did DeChambeau qualify for the Open Championship?
DeChambeau is the current world no. 33, and all the top 50 players secure an exemption to play in the Open Championship. On top of that, he is also the 2020 U. S. Open champion, making him eligible to play in the major.
As recent major winners, players like DeChambeau, Phil Mickelson, Dustin Johnson, and Brooks Koepka would be able to play in the majors at least for another couple of years. However, if LIV Golf fails to get the OWGR approval, the other LIV players will have trouble attending one. And Woods’ concern would probably turn into reality.
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