DeChambeau and Rahms perspective comes out after | Golf News

Lee Westwood claims he has “never seen anybody so excited and energized” as he reveals particulars of discussions involving Jon Rahm and Bryson DeChambeau to rescue LIV Golf. The breakaway circuit is battling for survival after Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) declared it would withdraw funding at the season’s conclusion, forcing executives to desperately search various financing sources to preserve operations.

The future appears to be like grim for LIV, which has bled money since its 2022 debut, but the circuit believes a restructured board can entice buyers to revitalize it. DeChambeau and Rahm are the most distinguished names on the lineup and are essential to its survival, and the latter expressed his views on the circumstances forward of this week’s PGA Championship.

CEO Scott O’Neil and his workforce have confronted backlash from sure LIV gamers for their messaging since the PIF’s declaration two weeks in the past. However, former world No. 1 Westwood, co-captain of the Majesticks squad, told TalkSPORT he has participated in senior-level discussions since the announcement, and he’s feeling optimistic about LIV’s outlook. It comes as Scottie Scheffler’s spouse pointed out an undesirable pattern before the PGA Championship.

“They’re still trying to pull it all together. I will say it came as a bit of a shock when the PIF pulled out. They seemed to be all in on it,” the Englishman said.

“But I will also say that, I sit in on most of these meetings at a high level with people like Scott O’Neill and Bryson DeChambeau in there and Jon Rahm.

“I’ve never seen anyone so excited and energized, actually. Looking to the future, they’re ready to make selections rapidly now and clearly are going to have to with PIF pulling out. Next season not being that distant, you will have to plan for it now. I feel everyone’s fairly optimistic.”

Should LIV Golf collapse, Westwood has made clear he has no desire to return to the PGA Tour. Even during his peak years, the 53-year-old competed predominantly on the European circuit, and he would look to reach an agreement with the DP World Tour if he wishes to keep competing.

“I’m 53 now, so there’s the senior tours, and I’ve still bought exemptions on the European tour if I select to pay my fines,” he said. “I’ve never actually loved taking part in the PGA tour that a lot.

“In 30 odd years of being a professional golfer, having won over there and finished high enough up to take my card, I’ve only taken my card for six of those years.

“The two instances I did win over there, I did not take my card then. So it is probably not taking part in on the PGA tour that’s ever pushed me along. So that would not be an option that I might take.”