Golfers DeChambeau, Wolff, Ancer Bluntly Explain Why They Joined Saudi-Backed LIV

Topline

In their first press conference since they joined the controversial LIV Golf, golfers Abraham Ancer, Bryson DeChambeau and Matthew Wolff made it clear why they joined the upstart golf series financed by Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund: money.

Key Facts

DeChambeau called his defection from the PGA Tour to LIV Golf a “personal business decision” in a joint Tuesday afternoon press conference live streamed by the tour ahead of its first stateside tournament outside of Portland beginning Thursday, explaining his big payday will enable him to fund projects in his local communities.

“It’s a money thing,” Wolff said about part of why he joined LIV Golf, while Ancer said “getting paid bigger, better” than before factored into his decision.

World Nos. 22, 31 and 77, Ancer, DeChambeau and Wolff also cited the team format and being able to spend more time with family as reasons for their jumps to LIV Golf.

DeChambeau was paid more than $100 million to join LIV Golf, according to Golf Digest’s Dan Rapaport, and though Wolff and Ancer’s contract details haven’t been reported, several other golfers also reportedly inked deals with LIV Golf worth over $100 million.

Crucial Quote

Perhaps the most interesting moment of the press conference came when the three golfers were asked about widespread criticism about accepting Saudi money. DeChambeau pleaded for people to look past LIV Golf’s funding, explaining: “Golf is a force for good. And I think, as time goes on, hopefully people will see the good that they are doing and what they are trying to accomplish, rather than looking at the bad that’s happened before. And moving on from that is important. And continuing to move forward in a positive light is something that could be a force for good for the future of the game.”

Key Background

DeChambeau’s comments Tuesday echo those from Phil Mickelson, who was harshly criticized in February after he defended LIV Golf’s Saudi funding despite the Saudi government’s history of human rights abuses, including the 2018 murder of Washington Post columnist Jamal Khashoggi. DeChambeau was among the first big-name Americans to commit to LIV Golf, and his agent confirmed his move to Forbes June 8, explaining DeChambeau is an “innovator.” Ancer officially joined LIV Golf last Monday, while Wolff did so Monday. Dustin Johnson, Brooks Koepka and Mickelson are among the other notable Americans to join LIV Golf, facing suspensions from the PGA Tour as a result.

Chief Critic

LIV Golf’s upcoming tournament in North Plains, Oregon, faces opposition from local politicians, including the North Plains mayor and Sen. Ron Wyden (D-Ore.). Wyden told the Associated Press on Sunday that it’s “wrong to be silent when Saudi Arabia tries to cleanse blood-stained hands,” referring to a 2015 incident where the Saudi government allegedly helped a Saudi citizen escape trial in Oregon in a fatal hit-and-run accident.

Further Reading

Star Golfer DeChambeau Commits To Saudi-Backed LIV Golf (Forbes)

These Golf Sponsors Have—And Haven’t—Dropped Saudi-Backed LIV Players (Forbes)

Trump, Saudis Join Forces To Stick It To The PGA (Forbes)

LIV Golf heads to Oregon, where local officials aren’t happy (Associated Press)