The four-time major champion said he didn't agree to join the series until after he played in the US Open.
At a news conference before the first LIV Golf tournament in the United States, which starts Thursday at Pumpkin Ridge outside Portland, Oregon, he said he wanted more time to recover by playing in fewer events.
The golfer had pledged his loyalty to the tour. When he was asked about the Saudi Arabian-financed LIV Golf circuit, he said that someone would sell out and go for it. A few weeks ago, he criticized reporters for asking him questions about the U.S. Open, saying they had cast a "black cloud" over the event.
When asked what caused him to change his mind, he said it was his opinion. My opinion was different. It was all done. We didn't have the conversation until after the U.S. Open, but I told you I was going to go one way or another. This is me.
Since the beginning of the year, he has been bothered by a number of injuries. The former world's top golfer is now 19th.
"What I've had to go through the last two years on my knees, the pain, the rehabilitation, all this stuff, you know, I need a little bit more time off," he said. It's not been an easy last couple of years, and I think having a little more breaks, a little more time at home to make sure I'm 100 percent before I go play in an event.
He didn't have anything to say about the criticism of him and other players who joined LIV Golf. Last week, he said they were "duplicitous".
"Look, I have a lot of respect for him as a player," he said. He's doing well." He is amazing. I did not see it. I didn't hear about it until yesterday. He has the right to his opinion. He can think as he pleases. He's going to do what's best for him and his family, and I'm going to do what's best for me and my family.
Patrick Reed said he had resigned from the tour. Reed said he hoped he would be allowed to compete in majors.
Reed said they didn't know where they all stood. I think I'd be able to play there for the rest of my life, because I was a past champion at Augusta. It is up to them at the end of the day.
"You play anywhere around the world, you'll be fine," said the golfer. You're going to like them. I decided. Whatever happens, I'll live with it.
When asked if people are allowed to have their opinions, he said they are.
"We've heard it, you know what I mean?" he said. Everyone has. The topic has been brought up. We're only trying to do one thing, and that's play golf. We want to grow the game and do other things. We are attempting the best we can.
DeChambeau said he hoped to use some of the money he received to fund charities. DeChambeau was asked if he was concerned about the source of the money.
Human rights organizations have accused the Saudis of torturing, murdering, and kidnapping women and other groups. According to U.S. intelligence, the Saudi royal family was involved in the kidnapping and murder of a Washington Post columnist in October of last year.
"Golf is a force for good, and I think as time goes on, hopefully people will see the good that they are doing and what they are trying to accomplish rather than looking at the bad that's happened before." Going forward in a positive light is something that could be a force for good for the future of the game.
All Rights Reserved © 2024
