Exclusive: Bryson DeChambeau and Patrick Reed join Saudi-backed LIV Golf Series

Bryson DeChambeau and Patrick Reed will be announced imminently as the latest big-name players to sign up with the Saudi rebel circuit.

In news that will further stun the world of golf, the two controversial Americans have already agreed multi-million dollar deals to join the £200 million LIV Golf Series, Telegraph Sport understands.

The breakaway circuit, that begins here at the Centurion Club on Thursday, will unveil the captures before the end of this 54-hole tournament and it is also understood that Rickie Fowler is also close to being confirmed. Both DeChambeau and Reed are expected to compete at the second event in Portland from July 3.

With Dustin Johnson playing in this opening tournament together with Phil Mickelson, Lee Westwood, Sergio Garcia and Ian Poulter, the LIV roster is taking on an ominous look for the PGA Tour and DP World Tour, formerly the European Tour. Dechambeau’s participation will certainly grab headlines. 

Organisers were waiting until Friday to make the announcement but Brett Falkoff, DeChambeau's agent, confirmed Telegraph Sport's exclusive in a message to The New York Post: "Bryson has always been an innovator," he said. "Having the opportunity to get in on the ground floor of something unique has always been intriguing to him. Professional golf as we know it is changing and it's happening quickly." 

The 2020 US Open champion has emerged as one of the biggest draws in the game, while Reed, the 2018 Masters champion, is another who regularly commands headlines. DeChambeau has been linked with the Saudis since they signalled their intent to form the breakaway circuit. 

Nevertheless this will come as a shock week as last week, on his return from a wrist injury, DeChambeau, 28, spoke about the