Bryson DeChambeau announced that he would not compete in the final round of the LIV Golf Mexico City tournament after sustaining a wrist problem. The two‑time LIV winner this season was sitting two strokes over par and trailing the leader, Jon Rahm, by 16 strokes after posting rounds of 71, 71 and a 73 on Saturday. In a brief statement, DeChambeau explained, "I felt 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. This isn’t how I wanted the week to end, but I wish the Crushers a strong finish.
I’ll spend a few days getting evaluated and hope to be ready for LIV Golf Virginia." DeChambeau’s withdrawal comes after a mixed start to his season. Earlier this year he captured victories at the LIV Golf events in Singapore and South Africa, showcasing the power‑driven approach that has become his trademark.
However, his performance at the Masters was disappointing; he missed the cut after an opening‑round 76 and followed it with a 74 in the second round, which included a triple‑bogey on the final hole. With DeChambeau out, Mexico’s Luis Carrera was called upon to fill the vacant spot in the Crushers GC lineup for the closing round. Meanwhile, Rahm continued his charge, extending his lead to two strokes ahead of fellow Ryder Cup teammate Tyrrell Hatton and three ahead of Tom McKibbin.
The timing of DeChambeau’s mid‑tournament exit is notable because the LIV Golf League has been under intense scrutiny this week. Reports have surfaced suggesting that the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF), the league’s primary financial backer, may be preparing to withdraw its funding. This speculation has fueled uncertainty about the league’s long‑term viability.
LIV chief executive Scott O'Neil addressed the rumors in a recent interview with TNT Sports, emphasizing that the league is "funded through the season" and that the organization will work "like crazy" to secure its future, drawing parallels to any private‑equity‑backed enterprise. He dismissed comments from team captain Sergio García, who had implied that funding was guaranteed until 2030, stating that such assurances are not realistic. O'Neil also sent a memo to LIV staff earlier in the week, assuring them that the season would proceed "exactly as planned, uninterrupted and at full throttle," without mentioning any plans beyond the current schedule. As of April 19, the PIF has not issued an official comment on the matter, leaving the future of LIV Golf in a state of limbo.
Despite the funding questions, the league announced on Sunday that it intends to return to Club de Golf Chapultepec for the 2027 edition of LIV Golf Mexico City, reaffirming its multi‑year commitment to the region. Looking ahead, the next LIV Golf event is set to take place in Virginia from May 7‑10 at Trump National Golf Club in Washington, D.C. DeChambeau is expected to rejoin the field for that tournament, assuming his wrist recovers as hoped. Additionally, he is slated to compete in the PGA Championship a week later, an event that will be broadcast live on Sky Sports.
The situation highlights the challenges facing LIV Golf as it navigates both player health concerns and broader financial uncertainties. While the league continues to showcase top‑tier talent and ambitious tournament venues, the reliance on a single major investor leaves it vulnerable to shifts in corporate strategy. Players like DeChambeau must balance their competitive ambitions with personal health, especially when dealing with injuries that could jeopardize future appearances. Fans and stakeholders will be watching closely as the Virginia event unfolds, hoping for a strong performance from the Crushers and a clear signal that the league can sustain its operations despite the funding chatter.
In the meantime, the withdrawal serves as a reminder that even elite athletes must prioritize their well‑being, and that the business side of professional golf remains as dynamic and unpredictable as the sport itself.