Bryson DeChambeau has insisted he has no regrets over ditching the PGA Tour for controversial breakaway organisation LIV Golf. The former US Open champion instead thanked Tiger Woods for helping "create' the breakaway.
DeChambeau has become one of the most polarising figures in sport after joining the Saudi-backed organisation, but insists he doesn't have any buyers remorse over leaving the PGA Tour.
The American will tee off in Chicago for LIV's fifth tournament, with the likes of Phil Mickleson, Brooks Kopek and Cameron Smith all involved. One player who vowed he will never be involved, however, is Woods.
The golfing superstar turned down an offer worth a reported $800million (£694) to play under the LIV banner, and has since joined forces with fellow PGA ace Rory McIlroy to anchor a new format of golf to compete. But regardless, DeChambeau believes Woods should be credited with helping to "ultimately create" LIV Golf.
He said: "I think all the challenges that have happened in the course of my life, even from when I was in high school, junior high, elementary school, they've all been warming up to this moment, to make this big decision," he said.
"This is the biggest decision besides choosing my agent that I've ever made in my entire life. I couldn't be more happy to be over here [at LIV Golf]. I have no buyer's remorse. I have ultimate respect for the PGA Tour and what they've done for my career.
"As I've said it from day one, they've allowed me this opportunity. I have to look back and thank Tiger for this opportunity because he's the one that's ultimately created this."
DeChambeau also discussed the Presidents Cup and Ryder Cup, with both tournaments having banned LIV Golf players from competing.
He said: "I personally think that the team events are only hurting themselves by not allowing us to play, not allowing us to qualify through some capacity, in some facet. I would say, from a team aspect, it is sad that those governing bodies have not allowed us to be able to qualify.
"That’s all I can say to that. I want to play in numerous events on the PGA Tour. It would be awesome. That’s what LIV Golf has tried to -- they have allowed us to play on the PGA Tour. It’s the PGA Tour barring us from doing so.”
