Bryson DeChambeau Continues Transition From Golf Villain To Golf Superstar
It's hard to understate just how much the average golf fan HATED Bryson DeChambeau when he burst onto the PGA Tour scene in 2017. DeChambeau had a bombastic style, and seemed to revel in being hated by fans and other golfers.
He wore a "flat cap" and bragged about how far he could hit a golf ball – much farther than his competitors. This was an object fact, but not one that he was afraid to frequently discuss. DeChambeau really angered golf purists when he declared that Augusta National – the home of The Masters – was "a par 67 for [him]" because of how far he hit the golf ball.
Bryson DeChambeau's play and attitude at the PGA Championship showed golf fans how much they miss not having him on the PGA Tour, and how much he's changed over the past five years.
(Ross Kinnaird/Getty Images)
That was prior to the 2020 Masters Tournament, which took place in November because of COVID interruptions. DeChambeau finished in a tie for 34th and never shot better than 69 that week.
Then, there was the viral clip from May 2021 where Brooks Koepka – generally a fan favorite – couldn't even get through an interview because he was so annoyed by Bryson DeChambeau walking by and apparently talking some "bullsh*t."
Both DeChambeau and Koepka elected to bolt for LIV Golf, which didn't help either one of them in terms of popularity in the United States. But perhaps being a bit out of the spotlight helped DeChambeau reset because he has returned with a renewed attitude – and fans are taking notice.
He was downright electric at the PGA Championship, and he looks like a guy having more FUN than anyone else playing golf. Another thing that DeChambeau has going for him – which the PGA Tour DESPERATELY NEEDS – is that he has embraced social media and the Internet.
His YouTube channel is arguably the best thing going in all of golf. He plays with other golf influencers and doesn't take himself too seriously. He does goofy challenges and isn't afraid to make fun of himself.
Then came Sunday at the PGA Championship. Not only did Bryson DeChambeau make a run to nearly win the tournament, but he carried himself in the classiest possible way. There was an interaction with a young fan that has the Internet buzzing:
DeChambeau ultimately lost after Xander Schauffele made a birdie putt on the 72nd hole to beat him by one shot, but he was one of the first people to congratulate Schauffele on the victory. In his postgame news conference, DeChambeau said Schauffele deserved to finally win a major and didn't come across as bitter or angry. He seemed genuinely happy for another player winning his first major championship.
After the loss, DeChambeau stuck around to sign autographs and even gave his hat away to a fan.
The PGA Tour misses Bryson DeChambeau. That's more clear than ever. He's showing exactly how to connect with the younger audience, and that's something that golf needs. It's sad that we really only get to see him play four times per year. Hopefully, that changes in the near future.