New LIV Golf CEO Scott O’Neil and Bryson DeChambeau each said they were pleased with the direction of the upstart circuit while speaking to reporters Wednesday ahead of the tournament in Hong Kong.
“In terms of how we’re doing, it’s been fun,” O’Neil said. “I’ve been on the job about two months as CEO, and I’ve seen nothing but momentum, starting with a big U.S. television deal with FOX and then a big television deal in the UK with ITV, marketing partners at a rate we’ve never quite seen before. We’re having quite a bit of fun. Life is pretty good.”
For his part, DeChambeau put the rumors to rest that his perceived unhappiness with LIV could lead to his return to the PGA Tour.
“I’m very excited about the future of LIV Golf,” the reigning U.S. Open champion said. “I’m very excited to be the captain of the Crushers and continue our legacy that we’re starting to create. That’s my goal is to create this lasting legacy where we impact millions and millions of golfers’ lives around the world. That should tell you everything you should know.”
DeChambeau’s comments come while talks continue between the PGA Tour and Saudi Public Investment Fund to reunify the men’s professional game. PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan, Tiger Woods and Adam Scott met with President Donald Trump and Saudi businessman Yasir Al-Rumayyan last month at the White House to discuss an alliance between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf.
Al-Rumayyan is the governor of the Public Investment Fund, which funds LIV Golf.
DeChambeau, 31, was asked where he saw LIV Golf six years down the road.
“I continue to see LIV Golf growing. It’s going to grow at an (exponential) pace for years to come, and we aren’t going anywhere,” he said.
Phil Mickelson, who has been with LIV Golf since it started, also said he sees good things ahead for the circuit.
“Yeah, I don’t even know where to start with the momentum change that we’ve been seeing and the tailwinds that we’ve been having,” he said. “The sponsor interest on a LIV level as well as on a team level, the interest and the attendance and the fan support throughout the world in the regions that we’re going to, it’s just been — and then you look at some of the things that the teams and the players are able to do together to help promote LIV, promote the sport and promote the game — (it) is pretty special.”
–Field Level Media
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