Golf star’s take on Saudi money fueling PGA-LIV merger: ‘Nobody is perfect’

Bryson DeChambeaujoined CNN on Tuesday night and defended Saudi Arabia after criticism came about due to the controversial PGA Tour-LIV Golf merger.

DeChambeau joined LIV Golf, whose funds are backed by Saudi Arabia, in June 2022. Many PGA Tour players like Tiger Woodsturned down millions upon millions of dollars and remained with the PGA Tour.

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“There’s a lot more behind closed doors that’s been going on. What I can tell you is that (Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund governor Yasir Al-Rumayyan), has always been a staunch supporter of golf globally, and wanting to grow the game,” DeChambeau told CNN host Kaitlan Collins.

“That’s been his vision from the start, when we first started talking a few years ago. As it’s come to fruition now I think this is the best thing that could ever happen to the game of golf,” he continued. “The fans are going to get what they want, the players are going to experience something a little different, a little new, but I truly believe the game of golf wins.”

Collins shifted her questions to Saudi Arabia’s history of financing terrorism.

“They’re accused of financing terrorism ... they’re accused of killing Washington Post reporter Jamal Khashoggi,” Collins said. “How do you feel knowing what the money is backed by?”

DeChambeau replied: “It’s unfortunate what has happened, but that is not something I can speak on because I’m a golfer. What I can say is that, what they’re trying to do is be better allies, because we are allied with them. I’m not going to get into the politics of it, I’m not specialized in it. But what I can say is they’re trying to do good for the world and showcase themselves in a light that hasn’t been seen in a while. Nobody is perfect but we’re all trying to improve in life.”

9/11 Families United, an advocacy group consisting of people who had family members killed or hurt in the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, released a statement saying they are “shocked and deeply offended by the merger.”

“We’ll never be able to repay the families back for what exactly happened just over 20 years ago,” DeChambeau told Collins. “And what happened was definitely horrible. And I think as time has gone on, 20 years have passed and we’re in a place now where it’s time to start trying to work together to make things better together as a whole.

“I think as we move forward from that, we’ve got to look towards the pathway to peace, especially in forgiveness, especially if we’re trying to mend the world and make it a better place. ...,” DeChambeau added.

The tours will remain separate for the remainder of 2023 and will go on as scheduled.