Claude Harmon says whether he thinks Bryson DeChambeau is ‘fake’ after recent popularity boom

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Claude Harmon has examined Bryson DeChambeau’s recent popularity boom and decided whether suggestions about the American being ‘fake’ are credible.

The 30-year-old has been the talk of the golfing world since his 2024 US Open win at Pinehurst No.2, where he narrowly beat Rory McIlroy on the 72nd hole.

DeChambeau’s social media presence has massively increased, and, quite frankly, the LIV Golf star couldn’t be more different from the divisive figure who broke through onto the PGA Tour.

Interacting with crowds and being a genuinely nice guy seems to be at the forefront of DeChambeau’s mind right now.

The US Open champion either has a brilliant PR team behind him, or he has actively sought to change himself and learn from his mistakes.

Harmon has now shed light on whether DeChambeau is genuine.

Claude Harmon: Bryson DeChambeau’s recent acts are the real deal

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Speaking during the Son of a Butch Podcast, Harmon claimed that the 30-year-old isn’t fake after emerging as one of the game’s most prominent figures.

“Bryson has figured it out,” he said. “This is real now. It’s not a joke or a gimmick. The YouTube and engagement stuff he’s been doing. There are a lot of people who think that’s contrived or fake.”

Harmon went on to reveal that he’s spent time with DeChambeau and that negative comments are coming from people who don’t attend LIV Golf events.

He added: “I see Bryson on a regular basis on LIV, and a lot of people comment on Bryson in the press; I have never seen them at any LIV tournaments. I know Bryson; I talked to Bryson. He’s changed, he’s matured. He’s a perfectionist in a sport where that doesn’t work.”

Bryson DeChambeau feels like the real deal

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DeChambeau has previously alluded to learning from mistakes, and his transformation feels like the real deal.

Whether he’s been instructed to make changes or taken it upon himself, the 30-year-old has been instrumental in changing public opinion.

His YouTube channel and overall interaction with the public have been unlike anything witnessed on the PGA Tour in recent years.

There are very few players who can ‘move the needle’ in golf. But now, DeChambeau can genuinely be classed in the same category as Tiger Woods and McIlroy.

When he stands up and talks, people will now listen.