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DeChambeau: Rival league wouldn't exist without Tiger's success

Kevin C. Cox / Getty Images Sport / Getty

Bryson DeChambeau says a rival league like LIV Golf wouldn't be happening if it weren't for Tiger Woods' success on the PGA TOUR.

"I have a high regard for Tiger; look, this wouldn't be existing if it weren't for Tiger," DeChambeau said on Thursday, according to Sports Illustrated's Bob Harig.

"So I have the utmost respect for what he did for the game of golf, what he did for the PGA TOUR that allowed us to have this opportunity."

In June, DeChambeau officially signed with LIV Golf, joining names like Phil Mickelson and Dustin Johnson, who'd already made the jump. The 28-year-old played his first LIV Golf event in Portland earlier this month, finishing 10th.

Ahead of The Open a few weeks ago, Woods spoke on Greg Norman's rival league, saying he didn't understand why some players had left the TOUR to join LIV.

"I think what they've done is they've turned their back on what has allowed them to get to this position," Woods said, according to Kyle Porter of CBS.

DeChambeau said he respects Woods' point of view, according to Harig.

"It's his legacy. I totally understand it," Dechambeau said. "He's what's allowed this to happen in a really cool, unique way that, in the end, I think will all work out to everyone's benefit. It's just a little bit of muddy waters right now."

The 2020 U.S. Open champion added that he and Woods have been "fairly close" but have not spoken recently.

DeChambeau is in the field for LIV Golf's third event this week at Trump National Golf Club Bedminster in New Jersey. On Thursday, he played in the pro-am with Johnson, former U.S. President Donald Trump, and Eric Trump, according to Harig.

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