Golf Channel analyst Brandel Chamblee caused a stir earlier this week when he alleged on Twitter that the LIV Golf Series payouts were drawn against the players’ contracts.
“I’ve heard this from a great many sources close to the players, which I found curious on the one hand because I hadn’t heard that prior to the event, but consistent on the other in that this Saudi regime is well known for not paying or being slow to pay,” Chamblee wrote.
I’ve heard this from a great many sources close to the players, which I found curious on the one hand because I hadn’t heard that prior to the event, but consistent on the other in that this Saudi regime is well known for not paying or being slow to pay. https://t.co/dmkTfYHRjt
— Brandel Chamblee (@chambleebrandel) June 26, 2022
ESPN’s Michael Collins, a former pro caddie, was the first to refute Chamblee with a tweet of his own.
“Brandel Chamblee is lying (shocker),” Collins tweeted. “Quote from a LIV player: ‘1000% not true!! Our guarantee is totally apart from what we make on the course.'”
BRANDEL CHAMBLEE IS LYING (shocker🙄)
Quote from an LIV player:
“1000% not true!! Our guarantee is totally apart from what we make on the course.”
And the photo of the text exchange is with a LIV employee. https://t.co/tgRoBLp8vL pic.twitter.com/0hZzNBhTPn— Michael Collins (@ESPNCaddie) June 26, 2022
A LIV Golf spokesperson who was serving as a press conference moderator then issued a more formal statement on Tuesday.
“I just wanted to address Alex’s question earlier when you were asking about the prize purses and if they are in addition to the contracts,” she said. “The prize purses are in addition to. There is no draw at LIV Golf on any finances. We just wanted to, on the record, it’s in addition to. And while you guys have, this is your first event, but you should know that from your contracts. You can attest to it. Thank you guys.”
LIV goes on the record to refute what Brandel (and others have) insinuated about prize money being a draw against player contracts. pic.twitter.com/KljRYu8h2x
— Kyle Porter (@KylePorterCBS) June 28, 2022
The series’ first American event begins Thursday at Pumpkin Ridge in Portland, Ore. Brooks Koepka, Bryson DeChambeau, Patrick Reed, Abraham Ancer, Matthew Wolff and Pat Perez are among the PGA Tour defectors who are expected to make their debut on the breakaway circuit.
