Why Did Bryson DeChambeau Pull Out Of Saudi International?

Golf fans were left wondering why the world number nine, Bryson DeChambeau, pulled out of the Saudi International tournament earlier this month. DeChambeau withdrew from the Sony Open in Hawaii just before the start, citing a nagging wrist injury. Additionally, he played the last two weeks at Torrey Pines but performed poorly in the opening two rounds, missing the cut for the Farmers Insurance Open. Consequently, the main question in many golf fans’ minds is, “Why did Bruson DeChambeau pull out of Saudi International?”

About Bryson DeChambeau

DeChambeau is an American professional golfer and an eight-time winner on the PGA Tour. He also won the U.S. Open in 2020. This victory saw him become the third player in history to win the NCAA Division I championship, the U.S. Amateur, and the U.S. Open after Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods. He is also the sixth player to win the U.S. Amateur and U.S. Open. Bryson DeChambeau is widely known for his analytical and scientific approach to gold, earning him the nickname of “The Scientist.”

The 2022 Saudi International

 The 2022 Saudi International took place from February 3-6 at the Royal Greens Golf and Country Club, near Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. This year’s tournament was the event’s fourth edition, but the first time it was taking place as part of the Asian Tour instead of the European Tour. The Saudi International featured some of the best golfers around, like Ian Poulter, Bubba Watson, Abraham Ancer, and Joaquin Niemann. Harold Varner III emerged victorious in the tournament, an outcome that would have generated a favourable return if betting on him. He took home about $1 million, one-fifth of the $5 million total prize money provided by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund.

DeChambeau Withdraws From The 2022 Saudi International

 A statement from the tournament organisers revealed that DeChambeau pulled out of the Saudi International due to injuries in his left hand and hip. These are the same wrist and hip injuries that have slowed him down since the beginning of the new season. However, it is unclear why DeChambeau flew to Saudi Arabia from Texas, knowing he had not recovered fully.

 Many fans were quick to cite his maniac work ethic as the cause of his injuries, but DeChambeau took to Instagram to clarify matters shortly after withdrawing. He said that a freak accident in the buildup to Saudi International was primarily to blame for his latest withdrawal. According to him, he slipped and fell, injuring himself in the process. He also asked everyone to “chill” about how his manic work ethic was affecting his body. DeChambeau concluded his Instagram post by promising to be back stronger and better in a few weeks and thanked the tournament for its hospitality.

 Many golf fans believe his slip and fall story explains his hip injury, but not his hand. This belief is because DeChambeau himself revealed in a press conference for the Saudi International that speed training had made his wrist weaker and forced him to pull out of the Sony Open before it even started. According to him, it also played a key role in him missing the cut at the Farmers Insurance Open. He further revealed that it was specifically his left wrist that had been bothering him for up to a month. Additionally, he had not taken great care of this wrist despite the speed training and other preparations taking a significant toll on its muscular structure.

 Four days later, Bryson DeChambeau produced a YouTube video saying his wrist did not feel great and hadn’t undergone any procedure. He also added that he could have probably remained in the tournament but was right to withdraw to prevent aggravating the injury.

 Shooting Down Saudi Super League Rumors

 DeChambeau’s withdrawal came amid rumors that the American golf superstar had been offered huge money to join the Super Gold League. As per U.K. media reports from the likes of Breezy Golf and others, Bryson had been offered more than $135.7 million (£100 million) to become the face of the new league. However, Bryson was quick to deny that he had received any money to join the breakaway Super Golf League. He simply commented “Wrong” under the post, an ambiguous one-word reply that left many people wondering whether he was saying the rumored amount of £100m was wrong or denying being approached by the breakaway circuit. The Super Golf League is a controversial, Saudi-backed venture attempting to prise the best golfers away from the D.P. World Tour and PGA World tour with big-money offers.

 Coming Back Stronger

 Bryson DeChambeau undoubtedly has a lot of cause for concern as we enter one of the busiest parts of the golf calendar, irrespective of his injuries’ source. He has performed rather poorly since playing well in the FedEx Cup Playoffs and last fall’s Ryder Cup. DeChambeau finished T25 at the Tournament of Champions and finished T14 at the Hero World Challenge. Additionally, he has experienced his first missed cut since last July and had to withdraw in his last two starts. Nevertheless, he insists that he will be back stronger and better than ever. In March, we may see him defend his Arnold Palmer Invitational title and proceed to the Players Championship tournament. Still, it remains to be seen whether his body can handle a quick comeback.