Bryson DeChambeau’s transformation over the past two years has made him one of the most popular figures in the professional game.
The brash and overly confident youngster who won the 2017 John Deere Classic is a figure of the past.
Now, DeChambeau’s booming YouTube channel has turned him into a golfer who’s loved instead of loathed. What’s more, the American’s 2024 US Open win at Pinehurst cemented his position as one of the game’s elite talents.
Golf fans witnessed unique theatre as DeChambeau paraded the US Open trophy up and down Pinehurst’s historic 18th.
DeChambeau is one of the few players who signed for LIV, and his reputation has improved as a result. However, journalist Dan Rapaport believes some PGA Tour players are still unsure about the two-time US Open champ.
Dan Rapaport details PGA Tour feeling on Bryson DeChambeau
Few are more ‘in’ the PGA Tour loop than Rapaport. The former Barstool Sports personality travels to most events and is close with numerous players.
Given his position in professional golf, Rapaport knows the general feeling on DeChambeau, and he discussed the LIV star in a recent podcast appearance with Peter Finch.
“I think a lot of the guys who cover the Tour every week didn’t see Bryson because he’s not playing on the PGA Tour, and they didn’t watch his YouTube videos, so it was a big shock to them,” Rapaport said.
“The first time we really saw it was at the PGA Championship at Valhalla. He was the crowd favourite, and that shocked a lot of people. Xander and Viktor were up there, and it was clear who the crowd were rooting for. As far as the players go, I think Bryson is still not a lot of guys’ cup of tea, but they appreciate the role he plays in the game.”
Difficult to criticise Bryson DeChambeau
Those who are still critical of DeChambeau are likely to focus on his misdemeanours from his PGA Tour days—and there was a long list of issues.
After breaking through on Tour, DeChambeau’s approach to the game was criticised, particularly at the 2020 US Open. Matt Fitzpatrick called DeChambeau’s big-hitting approach ‘daft’, and Rory McIlroy couldn’t believe he won the championship in such a way.
Furthermore, DeChambeau claimed Augusta National should be a par 68. Meanwhile, his tediously slow play came under fire.
However, it is really difficult to criticise the new version of DeChambeau. At a time when golf needs to grow, he has stepped up and understood the importance of getting the younger generations involved.
Given how he’s developed since moving to LIV, his past issues on the PGA Tour should now be forgotten.
What Bryson DeChambeau has said about his reputation
Speaking after his 2024 US Open win at Pinehurst, DeChambeau acknowledged that he had learned from previous errors of judgement.
“I’ve done some things I shouldn’t have done, said some things I shouldn’t have said, and messing up and learning from those mistakes and learning patience, resilience, determination, continuing to grow in that capacity – and then getting to a place where I finally get to showcase my true self and show others what this great game means to me. It’s given me so much. It’s time for me to give back,” DeChambeau said.
“That’s what I love most. That’s why it was so important for everyone to touch the trophy. I wanted everybody to experience it because it wasn’t just for me; it was for the turnaround, everyone looking at me going, wow, that person is different than what I thought. It was for them, those people that saw who I now am, who I am. That’s what I wanted people to feel is that involvement, that appreciation from me saying thank you. It meant a lot.”
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