The relationship between LIV Golf and Saudi Arabia has long been highly controversial given the accusations of state-sanctioned murder, human rights violations, and the links to terrorism. And with news of LIV Golf merging with the PGA Tour, that debate has since been reignited, and golf star Bryson DeChambeau addressed it this week.
Shortly after the merger was announced, a group of families of 9/11 victims released a statement condemning the move by the PGA Tour, calling the Tour and commissioner Jay Monahan “Saudi shills.” During an appearance on CNN, Bryson DeChambeau addressed the whole situation, sharing a message to the families.
“I think we’ll never be able to repay the families back for what exactly happened just over 20 years ago. And what happened was definitely horrible. And I think as time has gone on, 20 years have passed, and we’re in a place now where it’s time to start working together to make things better together, as a whole,” DeChambeau told CNN. “I have deep sympathy. I don’t know exactly what they’re feeling – I can’t ever know what they feel. But I have a huge amount of respect for their position and what they believe. Nor do I ever want anything like that to ever happen again.”
Bryson DeChambeau, an early recruit to the Saudi-backed LIV tour, on the PGA merger shocker and criticism from the families of 9/11 victims: pic.twitter.com/i1R6AWjw1Z
— Kaitlan Collins (@kaitlancollins) June 7, 2023
DeChameau expressed the need to “move forward” toward “peace and forgiveness.”
“I think as we move forward from that we’ve got to look toward the pathway to peace and forgiveness, especially if we’re trying to mend the world and make it a better place. I think this is what they are trying to accomplish – LIV is trying to accomplish, the PIF is trying to accomplish, we’re all trying to accomplish – a better world for everyone. And a way to provide great entertainment to everyone around the world.”
