Bryson DeChambeau gives his take on PGA allowing LIV golfers on Ryder Cup

The PGA of America recently announced its decision to allow LIV golfers to join the United States Ryder Cup team. The governing body also let the Saudi-backed players compete in the PGA Championship. Following this, Bryson DeChambeau has come out to laud the officials.

The LIV golfer, who’s been a staunch advocate of the series’ approval by the PGA, said the latest announcement is “just the start.” He said the decision would open up the “ecosystem back to a place where players can play across numerous tours.” Notably, the 31-year-old golfer, who joined LIV Golf in 2022, said the PGA of America’s statement is a “great reassurance” for the players.

Bryson DeChambeau said, as quoted by ASAP Sports:

“I've always had a tremendous amount of respect for the PGA of America and what they've done for junior golf and other things alike. I've come close to winning their tournament numerous times, and to see that they came out and made that statement is great reassurance that us players will eventually have a pathway, whether it be exemptions or whatnot -- hopefully have a pathway to play in the Ryder Cup and other tournaments as such.

"I think it's just the start. I think it's the beginning to opening up the ecosystem back to a place where players can play across numerous tours and support different charities alike and tournaments alike in different countries and regions. I think it's a great first step.”

It is pertinent to note that the decision came just ahead of the LIV Golf Team Championship in Dallas. The golfers, including DeChambeau, will be looking for a strong finish to the season before teeing up again next year.

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PGA allows LIV golfers on the US Ryder Cup team

The PGA of America announced its decision to allow LIV golfers in the United States Ryder Cup team earlier this week. For the unversed, the role of the Saudi-backed breakaway Tour’s players was in doubt before this announcement. Brooks Koepka was the sole LIV player included in the US team for the biennial tournament against Europe last year.

Notably, the PGA’s statement didn’t announce any avenue for the breakaway league’s players to qualify for the international event.

PGA of America’s statement read:

“To ensure the PGA Championship will continue to deliver the strongest field in golf and that the US Ryder Cup team will continue to have access to the best American players, the PGA of America board has determined that LIV Golf players will be eligible for both. Going forward, all LIV Golf players are eligible for the PGA Championship and any American player who qualifies for the Ryder Cup on points or is added to the U.S. team as a captain’s pick is eligible to compete.”

The PGA’s announcement comes amid the governing body and Europe's DP World Tour’s ongoing merger talks with Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund. As for Europe, LIV golfers can qualify for the European Ryder Cup team by retaining DP World Tour membership and playing in four events contracted by the circuit. The international event will be played at Bethpage Black in New York next September.