Bryson DeChambeau Opens Up Commanding US Open Lead While Chatting Up The Crowd

Bryson DeChambeau hasn't always been the most popular professional golfer. "Polarizing" might be the best word to use to describe the public's view of the 30-year-old golfer, now playing on the LIV Tour.

But in the past few years, thanks in no small part to his rapidly growing YouTube channel, DeChambeau's become something of a surprising fan favorite. Removed from some of the antics he became infamous for in his first few years on the PGA Tour and showcasing more of his personality, DeChambeau's spoken about embracing the role of an entertainer.

Part of being an entertainer is engaging with the crowd, and that's exactly what he did on Saturday in the third round of the U.S. Open. Despite the pressure cooker of a tightly contested major tournament and the brutal, 90+ degree heat and stifling humidity, DeChambeau took some time on the 13th hole to talk to the crowd, when some overheard him telling his caddie he'd love to go for the green. They responded, "yeah you would," but DeChambeau decided to lay up instead. When he made his club selection, he turned to the crowd and said "Don't boo me, I'm sorry."

Turns out the fans might have been right, as DeChambeau pushed his tee shot into a bunker on the right side of the fairway. But in a sign of how well he's playing, he put the second shot just six and a half feet away to salvage the hole.

It was just one of many exceptional shots for DeChambeau as he separated from the rest of the field. 

PINEHURST, N.C. - Bryson DeChambeau reacts after making a birdie on the 14th hole during the third round of the 124th U.S. Open at Pinehurst Resort on June 15. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)

Bryson DeChambeau Takes Three Shot Lead Into Championship Sunday

DeChambeau carded six birdies on the day, and with one double and one bogey, put together a three under 67. On a day where just seven players were under par at all, it was the second best score on Saturday.

And thanks to Ludvig Aberg's three-over 73 sending him down the top-10, he pushed his lead over Rory McIlroy and Matthieu Pavon to three.

Fans even serenaded him with chants of "USA" after drives, and he took some time to sign autographs for a fan in the crowd.

Very unlikely man of the people.

DeChambeau headlines the stories for the fourth round of the Open. Will he be able to close out his second U.S. Open Championship, and first with fans involved?

Another interesting story will be the pairing of McIlroy with Patrick Cantlay; their first time playing together since the infamous caddie/hat incident at the Ryder Cup. While the vast majority of the golf world expected Scottie Scheffler to run away with the tournament, yet again, suddenly it's DeChambeau who looks unstoppable. And he may very well be, given how hard birdies are to come by at Pinehurst No. 2.