Bryson DeChambeau Exits LIV Golf Mexico City Due to Wrist Injury
In a dramatic turn of events, star golfer Bryson DeChambeau has withdrawn from the final round of the LIV Golf tournament in Mexico City, citing a wrist injury that he feared could worsen with further play. The 32-year-old American, who was attempting to become the first player to secure three consecutive victories on the Saudi-backed circuit, made the decision on Sunday after a poor start at Chapultepec Golf Club.
Injury Concerns Halt DeChambeau's Bid for History
DeChambeau was trailing leader Jon Rahm by a significant 16 shots when he opted to pull out of the competition. In a social media post, he explained, 'I experienced some discomfort in my wrist during yesterday's round and have decided to withdraw from the final round of LIV Golf Mexico City to prevent further injury.' He added, 'Not how I wanted this week to go.' The golfer stated that he would undergo evaluation and hopes to return for the LIV Golf Virginia event scheduled for May 7-10, which precedes the PGA Championship.
This setback follows a disappointing performance at the Masters last week, where DeChambeau missed the cut after a triple bogey on his final hole, partly due to a bunker mishap. His withdrawal in Mexico marks another blow in a challenging period for the player.
Course Conditions Spark Controversy and Complaints
Earlier in the tournament, DeChambeau was filmed expressing frustration over the condition of the course during his opening round on Friday. On the 16th hole, he overshot a greenside bunker shot, landing his ball in a patchy area with uneven turf. In a video captured by golf content creators Perisgolf, he was heard complaining to spectators, 'You got destroyed grass,' and sarcastically remarked, 'Oh, this is rough? Definitely good to see,' while giving an ironic thumbs-up.
DeChambeau requested a second ruling on the lie, gesturing angrily at the grass patches. This incident highlighted ongoing tensions surrounding the tournament's setup and added to the week's tumultuous atmosphere.
LIV Golf Faces Financial Uncertainty Amid Saudi Backing
The withdrawal comes at a critical time for LIV Golf, which has been grappling with speculation about its financial future. Reports have emerged questioning the league's viability beyond 2026, with multiple agents telling Daily Mail Sport that they are uncertain whether the venture, funded by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF) with nearly $6 billion since 2022, might be abandoned due to the ongoing war in the Middle East.
In response, LIV Golf CEO Scott O'Neil sent a memo to staff, assuring them that funding is secured through the end of the year and urging them to continue with their daily responsibilities. He emphasized, 'The reality is that you’re funded through the season, and then you work like crazy as a business to create a business and a business plan to keep us going.' O'Neil added that this approach is common for private equity-funded businesses.
Tour executives were called for an emergency meeting in New York this week as fears grew, but players and agents expect the PIF to continue supporting the league until at least the conclusion of the 2026 campaign in Michigan on August 30. O'Neil's remarks during the Mexico tournament, broadcast on TNT Sports, have provided some reassurance, though doubts persist.
As DeChambeau focuses on recovery and the next LIV event, the broader golf world watches closely, with the league's stability and player performances under intense scrutiny. The combination of injury setbacks and financial questions underscores the volatile nature of this controversial golf circuit.
