DeChambeau Calls Media “the Mafia” at LIV Golf Event, Later Requests Reporter’s Removal From Range

Tension between Bryson DeChambeau and the media surfaced at this week’s LIV Golf season finale in Indianapolis, as the circuit’s marquee player appeared visibly frustrated amid significant uncertainty about the league’s future. The Saudi Public Investment Fund announced in April that it would cease funding the breakaway circuit after the 2026 season, while the Indianapolis event’s purse was slashed to $10.1 million from its typical $20 million allocation. DeChambeau, the public face of LIV Golf, directed his frustrations toward reporters observing his practice session at The Club at Chatham Hills.

Upon arriving at the driving range Tuesday, DeChambeau addressed the assembled media contingent with pointed remarks. “Oooh the mafia has arrived. The mafia. You guys love talking s–t,” he said, according to Golf.com’s Sean Zak, who characterized the comments as largely sarcastic in tone. The situation escalated the following day when a member of DeChambeau’s team asked Ryan French, who operates the popular Monday Q Info account on social media, to leave the practice area despite French simply observing the golfer’s warm-up routine.

DeChambeau subsequently contacted French by phone to address the incident. French disclosed Wednesday evening that he and the two-time U.S. Open champion discussed the matter for approximately 20 minutes, with French describing the call as a meaningful gesture that demonstrated professional responsibility. French indicated the specifics of their conversation would remain confidential but expressed appreciation for DeChambeau’s initiative in reaching out directly.

DeChambeau enters the Indianapolis competition following a tie for 38th place at the previous LIV event in New York and a challenging major championship season that included three missed cuts in four starts. The 32-year-old and his LIV competitors will play their final 2026 event after organizers canceled the planned LIV Team Championship scheduled for Michigan later this month.