DeChambeau, Reed and Perez commit to LIV
It’s been a tumultuous few months surrounding the rise of the Saudi-backed LIV Golf. And now with the first tournament out of the way, another handful of players have been added to the breakaway tour’s first visit to the US.
The big-hitting Bryson DeChambeau will join Patrick Reed and Pat Perez at the second event in Portland, Oregon, starting on June 30.
Bryson Dechambeau (Credit: PGA Tour)
“Bryson DeChambeau is an exciting addition to LIV Golf’s supercharged style of play,” said LIV Golf’s CEO Greg Norman. “He is passionate about the sport, innovative in his approach and committed to pushing the boundaries in pursuit of excellence.”
“He’s not afraid to think outside the box and supports our mission of doing things differently to grow our game.”
“The power and energy he brings to the course will deliver added electricity to our competition in Portland and beyond.”
DeChambeau has been under an injury cloud for most of the year following his bold attempt at the World Long Drive Championships late last year. The World No.29 has missed the cut in his last three tournaments including the Masters where he shot 76 and 80 to finish on 12-over.
DeChambeau’s announcement was followed quickly by a statement from Rocket Mortgage that they would be dropping the star player from their sponsorship roster. However, reports have indicated DeChambeau is being compensated to the tune of $100 million to make his move to LIV Golf so any money he is losing by leaving the PGA Tour is of little consequence to the 28-year-old major winner.
Joining DeChambeau in the LIV Golf Invitational Series will be 2018 Masters champion and 9-time PGA Tour winner, Patrick Reed.
Reed, like DeChambeau, will be putting his representative future in doubt by teeing it up in Portland. However, the 31-year-old isn’t known for toeing the line so his defection to LIV Golf comes as no surprise.
Three-time PGA Tour winner Pat Perez will also join the duo at Pumpkin Ridge Golf Club on the outskirts of Portland, Oregon.
