LIV Golf have often been heavily criticized by Brandel Chamblee since their inception in 2022.
The same can be said for Bryson DeChambeau, who has felt the wrath of Chamblee on multiple occasions in the past.
In spite of Chamblee’s hatred for LIV and everything it stands for, he must appreciate the talent that the two-time U.S. Open winner possesses.
DeChambeau’s game is in good shape on LIV Golf right now, and with the Masters just a few weeks away, he will be feeling very confident.
He led after day one at LIV South Africa following his round of eight-under-par 63 on Thursday.
Brandel Chamblee thinks Bryson DeChambeau has been manipulated by LIV Golf
DeChambeau was signing autographs for fans at The Club at Steyn City for 25 minutes after his opening round on Thursday.
The American has a huge following in the golfing sphere and he regularly gives back by giving up his time to sign hats, gloves and balls for his fans.
However, Chamblee shared a completely different view on DeChambeau signing autographs for his fans in South Africa.
The golf analyst believes the 32-year-old American has been manipulated by LIV Golf into believing that he is a hero.
In response to a post on X praising DeChambeau for taking the time to sign autographs for so many of his fans, Chamblee took aim at LIV Golf and its backers.
“Amazing to see how easy it is for someone who is being manipulated to help legitimize an oppressive regime look like a conquering hero,“ Chamblee said.
“The sole purpose of LIV is not to elevate golf or professional golfers, but the quiet replacement of conscience with what looks like competition.“
That’s a fair enough stance from Chamblee.
DeChambeau still deserves credit despite Chamblee’s critique
There is no doubt that the Saudis are using LIV Golf to help legitimize their oppressive regime, just like they do in many other sports.
‘Sportswashing’, as it has become known, is a ploy to use high-profile athletes to improve a tarnished reputation or distract from bad practices in general.
It is impossible to argue against that.
However, DeChambeau is not stupid. He most likely knows all of this himself.
The fact that he signed autographs for fans for 25 minutes after he finished his round in South Africa on Thursday should be applauded.
DeChambeau may be part of a bigger picture which isn’t pretty, but I genuinely believe that he is doing the best he can to grow the sport and give back to the hundreds of thousands of fans who have supported him throughout the years.