Report: Bryson DeChambeau ‘near certainty’ to become the first reigning major champion since Peter Thomson to play professionally in this country

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[PHOTO: Alex Slitz]

Bryson DeChambeau has set numerous records on the golf course over the years, but the LIV Golf star looks likely to make some intriguing history just by teeing off in a particular event come late January. According to the Hindustan Times, the two-time major winner and his teammates on LIV’s Crushers squad are a “near certainty” to compete in India’s first-ever International Series tournament, sanctioned by the Asian Tour and financed by LIV Golf.

When it happens, that will make DeChambeau the first reigning major champion to play in a professional golf tournament in the country since our own Peter Thomson, who was a frequent visitor to India and integral in the establishment of the Indian Open. Thomson was the reigning Open champion (from 1965) when he won the 1966 Indian Open.

An official announcement of the tournament being added to the International Series schedule is expected soon, with the event reportedly being played from January 30 to February 2, leading right into the 2025 LIV season the next week in Saudi Arabia for LIV Golf Riyadh. The total prize payout for the Indian event at DLF Golf & Country Club in Gurgaon is expected to be at least $US2 million.

Although not finalised, DeChambeau spoke to the Hindustan Times about the potential LIV Golf outing and how important this could be for teammate ​​Anirban Lahiri, who is from India. “I am aware that ‘Baan’ is going to be involved, and we have had a few talks about it.

“It will be a very important week for him. I will support him fully, and if everything works out, I am extremely excited about the opportunity to play in India. I have never been there, but it’s a country that has fascinated me. I have always loved being a global player and I greatly enjoy playing in as many countries as possible.”

Lahiri, the only Indian pro on the LIV Golf League, understands just how big this would be for golf in his home country and stated that things are heading in the right direction. Along with DeChambeau and Lahiri, fellow Crushers Paul Casey and Charles Howell III are expected to tee off in the event as well.

“I think we are almost there. There are just a few minor things on which we have to dot the i’s and cross the t’s,” Lahiri told the Hindustan Times. “But yes, I think it will be massive for Indian golf fans if Bryson is there. Singlehandedly, with what he does on the golf course and outside it through his social media channels and his interaction with fans, he has brought millions of new fans to our sport. I think we can all agree he is the most popular golfer in the world right now.”