Bryson DeChambeau & Xander Schauffele’s Efforts Neglected by Fans as PIF-Merger Becomes a Laughing Stock

While Xander Schauffele saw himself clinching the trophy at Valhalla Golf Course, it was Bryson DeChambeau who won the fans’ hearts. The LIV Golf Pro experienced a turnaround when it came to his public image, as opposed to when he joined the breakaway league, while the PGA Tour Pro managed to claim his maiden major victory. However, such accolades by the duo from the two different circuits were insufficient to calm down the fans in the community who opposed the merger.

A post was shared on Reddit by TheGolfEnthusiast just hours ago. It pointed out how “The Majors Have Extended The Olive Branch” to LIV Golf while posing the question of whether the Greg Norman-led circuit should do the same. OP also put forth another query: “Do you think the inclusion of more LIV golfers in future PGA events will lead to a better standard of competition and more memorable moments like we saw at the 2024 PGA Championship?”

The major at Valhalla Golf Course saw a total of 16 golfers take part in the event. Out of the group, 7 professionals were extended special invitations by the PGA of America to play in the tournament. Even so, DeChambeau was the one who made the most impact as a player from the PIF-funded circuit, despite not being a special invitee. There was a large crowd behind the ‘Scientist’, who was exempted as the 2020 U.S. Open champion, whenever he went to play at a hole.

Such a situation, which saw the PGA Tour pros and the LIV golfers come together, truly created unforgettable moments in the community. This is very much evident from the fact that there was a 10% increase in viewership as opposed to 2023. Sadly, the many instances coupled with the iconic win by Schauffele weren’t enough for the community to agree on the merger between the PGA Tour and PIF, which has been experiencing an excruciating delay.

Netizens say ‘No’ to the PGA Tour-PIF merger

A dozen golfers have come and gone throughout history. Out of all of them, the names Tom Morris and Ben Hogan hold a special place. The former won the Open Championship in 1868 and two more times in the following years. Unfortunately, tragedy struck him as he died in 1875 at 24 years of age. The latter, meanwhile, went on to become one of the legends of the sport, winning 9 major championships before passing away in 1997. A fan alluded to the same while commenting on the possible unification, “They should just invite Old Tom Morris and Ben Hogan while you are at it bc there is zero chance of this happening right now.” The user thus compared the LIV golfers to the legends who passed away while hinting at how they won’t be able to make a return to the Tour, just like Morris and Hogan.

A fan naturally responded to the question while hinting at the huge influx of dollar bills to the sport: “Just entertain us. Don’t care about billionaires fighting with millionaires. Let us see the best in the business compete against each other.” With the inception of LIV in 2021, many golfers defected to the circuit because of the huge amount of money that was offered. Even DeChambeau received a signing bonus of a figure north of $125 million. Following the whole ordeal with PIF, the PGA Tour, in 2024, got into a deal with SSG for an amount worth $3 billion.

Many PGA Tour pros remained loyal to the Jay Monahan-led circuit. From Wyndham Clark to Ludvig Aberg, many in the community expressed a resounding ‘No’ to the breakaway league and their invitations. A fan pointed it out while adding, “This is one of the crazier articles I’ve read. The premise is to invite PGA tour players to play in LIV tournaments… can someone explain how that’s different than what they’ve been doing” while another responded, “There’s not a single PGA player that’s going to take a week off/away from their families to go play 54 dance music-filled holes and starting their round off of 5 tee in some far-flung location on a marginal golf course. Never gonna happen.” One of the most recent players to declare their loyalty towards the American circuit was Rory McIlroy, he stated, “I will play the PGA Tour for the rest of my career… For me, my future is here on the PGA Tour, and it’s never been any different.” ”

“I feel like I’m playing good. Yesterday was an unfortunate timing,” admitted Brooks Koepka after his 66 on Sunday preceded by a 74 on Saturday. The third round saw him lose strokes in every category, putting him tied tied 74th for the total strokes gained. A user on Reddit brought about the 2023 PGA Championship winner’s response while commenting, “So you want to let the players who left the PGA tour, without even bothering to take the gas can, and just let them back. What a great idea. The PGA tour will be fine without. Let’s not forget what Brooksie said on the way out. He had a good tournament, great. They have made a choice, let them live with it.”

The followers seem to not be swayed by the idea, even as the recently ended major painted a beautiful picture of the two circuits, unifying to a degree. But the fans can be relieved for now since Tiger Woods himself revealed how the merger will take some time during the Masters, “It’s an ongoing negotiation, so a lot of work ahead for all of us with this process. And so we’re making steps and it may not be giant steps, but we’re making steps.” But all conditions seem to indicate the merger taking place, be it months later or sooner than that.