Bryson DeChambeau is a showman with his presence on the golf course. Off it, he is equally effective with his innovative golf content to engage fans on social media. The larger-than-life persona, coupled with a stellar career record on the PGA Tour, and now on LIV Golf, has garnered a following that runs into several millions on his social media handles. But there is one thing that cannot be taken away from “The Scientist”, as he was known early on for his analytical approach to the sport.
The showmanship has been good for the profile and building his persona as an athlete who transcends the boundaries of golf, but 31-year-old Bryson DeChambeau would have us believe that the initiative he has taken upon himself is the correct reflection of the man he is.
Bryson DeChambeau: The Showman Transforming Golf
Man of the Masses
It pertains to inclusion by reaching out to the masses and breaking the popular perception of golf being an elite sport. His visit to the country to be a part of the International Series India is one such attempt to reach out and help draw numbers in this country of 1.4 billion.
Of course, the economics of a reigning US Open champion coming down to be a part of the Asian Tour’s USD 2 million International Series event is there, but somewhere DeChambeau’s arrival is linked to camaraderie and team spirit, two traits stressed upon a lot at LIV Golf, where the 31-year-old leads Crushers GC, the 2024 team champions.
Crushers member Anirban Lahiri has been pivotal in getting the International Series to the country for the first time, and reaching out to his captain to tee off at the DLF Golf and Country Club in Gurugram was one way of attracting more eyeballs in this part of the world. DeChambeau’s yes was instant, and the visit is an extension of what he is attempting in the United States.
If the turnout for the golf clinic at the driving range on Wednesday afternoon with Lahiri is an indication, DeChambeau’s followers on social media will soar by the time the week is done, but the man doesn’t care much on that front. “I’m not here for followers, I’m here to inspire. If my visit encourages kids to pick up a golf club, that means more to me than social media numbers,” he said.
This one wasn’t for the cameras; DeChambeau, “The People’s Champion”, as he came to be known after his second US Open triumph last year, has gone down the path of inclusion since. The celebrations post the late comeback against Rory McIlroy at Pinehurst stretched on with DeChambeau navigating the course with the trophy and allowing eager fans to touch it as he signed scores of autographs and posed for photographs.
DeChambeau had said at that point that the gesture was his bit of being able to do cool things in the sport after coping with his share of setbacks and mistakes in life.
Before taking the flight to New Delhi, he had briefly thought of carrying the US Open trophy to allow fans here to have a feel of the silverware, but then a deterrent made him change his mind. “Customs would have been a nightmare.” The plan has not been shelved yet, and an ensuing trip soon could see it happen. “If I do, I’ll make sure to bring it around for people to see,” he said.
Money as a liberator
The intention was always there, but DeChambeau chose to hold back, waiting for the right time to start reaching out.
The move to LIV Golf and earnings from the Saudi-funded league have been the catalyst as DeChambeau works towards a “mega passion project” at home that aims to get the man on the street to a golf course in a way that is easy on the pocket and does away with the notion of exclusivity.
The project has moved from the drawing board to execution, but DeChambeau is not yet ready to shed light on what will be a three-pronged strategy to grow numbers in the sport.
“I don’t want to say too much just yet as I want to ensure everything is done right. But essentially, I’m working on a way to spark greater interest in golf. Any project with my name on it must be done the right way. That’s very important to me.
“A well-executed initiative can positively impact as it’s not just about sport; it’s about building a culture of integrity, honour, and responsibility. I’ve always wanted to give back to my community, and I see a great opportunity to help kids and the public through golf,” said Bryson DeChambeau.
Driven by the principles to “inspire, entertain and educate,” DeChambeau is confident the trip to India will help golf evolve from an “older sport to a younger one.” “By showcasing what it holds, this is an incredible opportunity for golf to expand in India and show what this country can produce for the global stage,” he said.
The softer side of DeChambeau
The volatile temperament and run-ins with officials on Tour, a distinctive feature early on in the career, led to a mixed following for this super athlete among fans, and the love-hate relationship stayed on despite DeChambeau’s multiple wins on the PGA Tour.
Things took a turn as he was leaving the PGA Tour, and the LIV chapter, with its emphasis on colour, vibe along with high-quality play, has panned out in a way that DeChambeau is now a darling of the crowds.
“I appreciate that people are starting to see who I really am. A big part of that is thanks to my move to LIV Golf and my YouTube content, which allows me to showcase my personality.”
The man was in admission. “I’ve also learned from past mistakes. Life is about growth, and I believe everyone deserves a second chance if they are willing to learn. I hope people see me for who I am, beyond the surface.”
Beneath the tough exterior of a battle-hardened athlete, lies a softness that is moved by an eternal symbol of love. DeChambeau’s visit to the Taj Mahal in Agra coincided with the 370th birthday of Shah Jahan, the Mughal emperor who commissioned the monument in memory of the love of his life, Mumtaz Mahal, and the experience will be cherished for long. “Seeing the Taj Mahal at sunset, with the colours of the sky reflecting on the marble, was one of the most beautiful things I’ve ever seen; surreal.”
Career-changing phases
When the California golf mega project is up and running, it will rank among the milestones in Bryson DeChambeau’s presence as a giver to the ecosystem. As a player, the man from Modesto in California has had his share of moments that played a part in the nine wins on the PGA Tour, and the success on LIV.
Early on, when DeChambeau was striving for glory in the amateur ranks, the 2015 US Amateur fast-tracked his road to greatness. “Without that win, I wouldn’t have got on to the Tour as quickly as I did. Each win has significance, but the US Amateur was the most pivotal,” he said on placing it ahead of the two US Open triumphs in 2020 and 2024.
Another tweak that sent the career spiralling was the change of equipment in 2023. Known for his speed training, and hence the whippy golf swing, it wasn’t this drill that changed DeChambeau’s course. “A new driver I picked up in late 2023 allowed me to hit the ball straighter at high speeds, which was a game-changer.”
Connect with the past
It has been over two seasons since his departure from the PGA Tour to LIV, but some bit of the umbilical cord remains. Even now, his favourite four-ball has legends John Daly, Tiger Woods, his son, Charlie, and a reference to the ongoing TGL, the brainchild of Woods and McIlroy, drew laughter.
There was none of the animosity that has been the hallmark of the PGA Tour and LIV faceoff; instead, DeChambeau complimented the initiative and said he was open to anything that helps grow the game. Asked if he would like to be a part, DeChambeau retorted, “I’m not sure if they will have me, but if they do, I have my team, the Crushers, and we’ll see how things evolve.”
Practice makes perfect
Preparation is a vital component in keeping a player steady in a tournament, and more so at a venue like the DLF Golf and Country Club.
“My approach has changed multiple times over the years. But my foundation is simple, I practice as hard as possible to create a repeatable motion. For me, confidence comes from repetition. If I struggle mentally, it usually means I haven’t worked hard enough or something is off in my swing. My mental game is directly linked to how consistent I am in my mechanics.”
Coming from a man who has made excellence a part of his daily schedule, mega projects like the one he is working on will play a part in propagation; but the man himself is inspiration for youngsters to aspire in this part of the world.
(All Images: The International Series)
The information in this article is accurate as of the date of publication.