Bryson DeChambeau admits he didn't expect Saudi backed LIV Golf to pull funding

[p]Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF) announced this month that it would cease bankrolling LIV after the 2026 season.[/p][p]PIF had reportedly ploughed more than $5 billion dollars into the breakaway circuit since it was founded in 2021.[/p][p]Two-time major champion [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/player/dechambeau-bryson/vZG7Cn7s/"]DeChambeau[/a] remains one of LIV's biggest drawcards along with [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/player/rahm-jon/h41jCwka/"]Jon Rahm[/a], with both teeing up in this week's LIV Korea.[/p][p][b]"We were surprised that they pulled out as quickly as they did,"[/b] DeChambeau told reporters at Asiad Country Club in Busan.[/p][p]"We didn't really see that coming. But that's OK. One door closes, another opens. I think that's the way a lot of us are looking at it."[/p][embed guid="bbee6ef9-596f-466b-bbc0-d22a51893962" url="https://x.com/flushingitgolf/status/2059208050263589198" social-type="twitter" /][p]PIF's abrupt withdrawal, announced on May 1, plunged LIV into uncertainty, with executives scrambling to create a new business plan to attract investors and sponsors.[/p][p]CEO Scott O'Neil is reportedly seeking $250 million to keep the league afloat.[/p][p][b]"I think we all have optimism that there is a business plan that makes sense for team golf,"[/b] DeChambeau said.[/p][p]"I'm very optimistic with the business plan of team golf compared to other models, in my opinion," he said.[/p][p][b]"We'll see if investors like it or not. I'm giving all I can to make it happen, and if it doesn't, it doesn't happen."[/b][/p][p]There have also been reports that LIV was laying the groundwork for potential bankruptcy in the United States.[/p][p][b]"In the background, yeah, we're trying to help where we can, but ultimately it's up to executives and everybody banding together,"[/b] DeChambeau said.[/p][p]"If we all band together, there's an opportunity here.[/p][p][b]"If not, it's going to be a different day for all of us."[/b][/p]