Bryson DeChambeau reportedly calls media members ‘the mafia’ before having reporter booted from driving range
Bryson DeChambeau reportedly branded media members "the mafia" and had a reporter removed from the driving range ahead of the LIV Golf season finale in Indianapolis, amid signs the world number five is increasingly on edge. The incident comes at a turbulent time for LIV Golf, whose long-term future is in doubt after the Saudi-backed Public Investment Fund confirmed in April that it will stop funding the breakaway circuit once the current season concludes.
As the most prominent face of LIV Golf, DeChambeau appears to be feeling the strain of that uncertainty, with this week's Indianapolis event also seeing prize money cut from the usual $20 million to $10.1 million. The reduced purse and the unresolved question of what happens to the league beyond 2026 form the backdrop to his reported frustration with journalists at the tournament.
In short
- DeChambeau reportedly called reporters "the mafia" and had one removed
- Comes as LIV Golf's funding and future beyond 2026 remain uncertain
- Indianapolis event's prize purse was cut from $20m to $10.1m
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
A reasonable case for DeChambeau is that athletes are entitled to set boundaries around media access, particularly during practice, and to object if they believe a reporter has crossed a line or disrupted their preparation. With LIV Golf’s future uncertain and the event’s purse reduced, he may also be under unusual pressure; frustration could explain the reaction without making it a considered judgement about all journalists.
The case against
A reasonable case for the reporter and press is that journalists need to ask questions and observe events to scrutinise prominent athletes and the organisations they represent. Calling media members “the mafia” and having a reporter removed can look like an attempt to intimidate or shut out legitimate coverage, especially when LIV Golf faces questions about its future and public finances. Even under pressure, a high-profile player has a responsibility to handle disagreement without undermining access or press freedom.
Explained simply
LIV Golf is a professional golf circuit launched in 2022 as a rival to the long-running PGA Tour. It is backed by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, a state-owned investment fund, and has attracted high-profile players including Bryson DeChambeau, an American golfer who is one of its best-known figures.
The PGA Tour and LIV Golf have competed for players and attention, while discussions about how the circuits might work together have left the sport’s future uncertain. The Public Investment Fund’s planned end to its support after this season has raised questions about LIV Golf’s finances and what will happen to its players and events.