'It Validates Everything We've Said': Bryson DeChambeau Proud of LIV Golf's Performance at the PGA
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Loading... - Alice Harrice
- 22 May 2023
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Bryson DeChambeau expressed his satisfaction with his performance at the PGA Championship. Although he didn't emerge as the victor, he led in the first round and secured a respectable fourth-place tie. This achievement marked his best performance in a major championship since his triumph at the 2020 U.S. Open.
Similar to the winner, Brooks Koepka, DeChambeau encountered his fair share of injuries over the past year. Nevertheless, he interpreted his result as a confirmation not only of his own efforts but also of the progress made by LIV Golf. Once again, LIV Golf exhibited a strong presence in a major championship, with three of its players finishing within the top 11.
During the Masters, Koepka and Phil Mickelson shared second place, while Patrick Reed secured a tie for fourth. The exceptional performance of these LIV Golf players reinforced DeChambeau's belief in the validity of their vision.
Following a final-round score of 70, which placed him six shots behind Koepka, DeChambeau declared, "It validates everything we've said from the beginning. We're competing at the highest level and possess the capability to win major championships. I truly hope that people can now perceive our fresh and innovative approach to golf. Ultimately, both sides will need to unite for the betterment of the game."
DeChambeau did not offer any specific solutions, as LIV Golf and the PGA Tour are currently entangled in litigation, and tensions still exist between them. However, at the major championships, the players, for the most part, have set aside their differences and acknowledged the presence of highly skilled golfers associated with LIV Golf.
In addition to Koepka and DeChambeau, British Open champion Cam Smith delivered an outstanding performance, matching the lowest round of the day with a score of 65, securing a tie for ninth place. Mito Pereira and Reed also achieved commendable results, tying for 20th position. In total, LIV Golf had five players within the top 22. Koepka's world ranking rose to 13th, and he currently stands second in the U.S. Ryder Cup standings.
"We have a multitude of exceptional players out there," stated DeChambeau, who, along with ten other LIV players, has already qualified for the U.S. Open next month. Sunday marked the cutoff for the top 60 in the Official World Golf Ranking, and it is anticipated that at least a dozen LIV players will participate in the 36-hole final qualifying round.
While acknowledging the significance of the accomplishment for LIV Golf, Koepka emphasized his focus on his own individual performance at the PGA Championship. He expressed, "It's undoubtedly a major milestone for LIV, but right now, I'm primarily interested in my own progress. Yeah, I'm thrilled to secure this victory for the third time."
