Former PGA Tour player thinks a change is happening with Bryson DeChambeau which could see him return to his old ways

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Bryson DeChambeau is arguably the most popular golfer in the world, with an enormous social media fan base.

The LIV Golf star has 2.8 million followers on Instagram and almost two million subscribers on YouTube, where he’s the most popular golf account, ahead of Grant Horvat.

It’s been an incredible transformation for the 31-year-old in recent years, because he was actually heavily criticised early in his career.

DeChambeau used to be an awkward character, somewhat living in his own bubble, whereas he’s now a fan favourite who generally carries himself well.

But one former PGA Tour player thinks he let his guard down at The Masters and is returning to his old ways.

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Brendon de Jonge calls Bryson DeChambeau ‘prickly’ and ‘difficult’

DeChambeau had huge support at The Masters, maybe more than anyone outside of Rory McIlroy, as he pursued the career Grand Slam.

He ultimately fell away in a challenging final round at Augusta National, before making a controversial comment in his post-round interview.

The US Open champion revealed that playing partner McIlroy didn’t talk to him once throughout the day, and seemed a little bothered by it.

Now, ex-PGA Tour player Brendon de Jonge thinks that was a sign of him returning to his “prickly and difficult” past behavior.

“I think there is something there with Bryson,” De Jonge said. “I think we’re starting to see Bryson returning back to what we saw [earlier in his career], when he started whining that Rory didn’t talk to him.

“You know, a leopard can only change its spots so much. I think Bryson is that guy, he’s kind of prickly and difficult, and I think we’re starting to see him return back to that.”

Bryson DeChambeau should embrace his ‘prickly’ character on the golf course

Two things can be true. DeChambeau can be “prickly and difficult” in tournaments and still be well-liked for his extra-curricular endeavours.

It’s unreasonable to suggest that the two-time major winner needs to be relaxed and friendly at all times, especially in the heat of the moment.

He wouldn’t be the first great athlete to have two different sides to his personality inside and outside the arena. Shaquille O’Neal, Dennis Rodman, and John McEnroe come to mind.

After all, a fierce rivalry between the face of the PGA Tour (McIlroy) and LIV Golf (DeChambeau) would undoubtedly make for a better product in the major championships.

And DeChambeau’s feistiness shouldn’t take anything away from the great work he has done to grow the game of golf. He’s one of the few on LIV to have had the desired impact.