American golfer Bryson DeChambeau confronted a group of journalists on the driving range ahead of LIV Golf's season finale in Indianapolis, calling them a "mafia" as uncertainty surrounds his future with the breakaway circuit.
The two-time US Open champion arrived at the range earlier this week amid growing turmoil for the tour, where he spotted the reporters gathered nearby.
"Oooh the mafia has arrived. The mafia. You guys love talking s**t," DeChambeau said to the group.
One reporter involved later told Golf.com that he believed DeChambeau was "mostly joking" with the comment, but noted that the player remains frustrated over how he has been portrayed by media outlets in recent months.
The outburst comes during a turbulent summer for DeChambeau, who threatened to pull out of the Open Championship and call President Trump following a furious row over a two-stroke penalty.
He generated further headlines recently when a wayward drive during a practice session nearly struck fellow LIV player Ian Poulter on the head.
Uncertainty surrounding LIV Golf future
DeChambeau's future is one of the main talking points heading into this weekend's tournament in Indianapolis, as LIV Golf faces significant operational and financial uncertainty.
The circuit's 2026 season will finish a week earlier than originally scheduled after organizers canceled its individual and team championship in Michigan.
The breakaway league, launched in 2022 to compete with the PGA Tour, has been plunged into crisis after Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund announced earlier this year that it will stop funding the tour beyond 2026.
The decision has triggered intense speculation regarding the long-term future of marquee players on the circuit, including DeChambeau and Spanish star Jon Rahm.
Executive response and contract status
LIV Golf chief executive Scott O'Neil said this week that he "certainly hopes" DeChambeau will remain with the league beyond his current contract.
O'Neil previously revealed that LIV Golf has secured new investment to keep the circuit afloat past this season, but he could not confirm whether DeChambeau would re-sign once his current deal expires.
DeChambeau's existing contract is reportedly worth more than $100million and runs through the end of the 2026 season. Reports earlier this year claimed he wants up to $500million to stay with LIV Golf.
"I'll leave all individual player questions to individual players," O'Neil said when asked about the financial demands.
O'Neil praised DeChambeau's impact on the sport, stating: "He cares about the global game of golf. He cares about building this next generation of fans."
The chief executive added: "Bryson has become a good friend, a good advocate of the league. I certainly hope he's with us for the future. He's been extremely supportive, as I can say most of the big guys have been."
Reactions across the golf world
The uncertainty at LIV Golf comes as players evaluate their future options, with American star Brooks Koepka already choosing to leave the breakaway circuit and return to the PGA Tour.
PGA Tour player Rory McIlroy was asked at the BMW Championship about the potential return of high-profile LIV rebels and whether they would add value back to professional golf's established tour.
McIlroy questioned the impact the defectors had achieved during their time away, replying: "I mean, I'd argue have they brought value to LIV?"
