There was a time when Bryson DeChambeau could have only dreamt of being one of the most popular players on the planet.
Bryson DeChambeau has always attracted a lot of attention. He had a superb amateur career. And he immediately caught the eye with his scientific approach to his equipment and technique when he burst onto the scene.
Not everyone warmed to him. DeChambeau was frequently heckled by spectators, while some of his peers made no secret of their reservations when it came to some of his methods.
Do you think LIV would survive if Bryson DeChambeau returned to the PGA Tour?
But the LIV Golf star has transformed himself into perhaps the greatest showman in the current game.
With that, the 32-year-old will surely feel that he has just made a mistake.
Bryson DeChambeau appears to have made a big mistake this week
DeChambeau has not played in a professional event since the Ryder Cup. Of course, the two-time US Open champion was so close to producing one of the greatest comebacks in the event’s history with his fightback to earn half a point against Matthew Fitzpatrick in the Sunday singles at Bethpage Black.
DeChambeau has not played in the International Series since February. And he was not one of the LIV players in the field at this week’s Australian Open.
But given how impressive a week it was in Royal Melbourne, perhaps DeChambeau should feel that he made an error not teeing it up Down Under.
It is an understatement to say that Australia has been starved of world-class golf in recent years, particularly when you consider the quality of the courses.
LIV’s marquee event takes place in Australia. Even Rory McIlroy could not help himself but praise the ‘incredible’ offering from Adelaide.
And that was reflected in the electric atmosphere this week. It certainly felt like a major seeing the size of the crowds at Royal Melbourne. And they certainly showed their appreciation for the likes of McIlroy, Adam Scott, and Cam Smith.
There would have undoubtedly been a huge following for DeChambeau had he decided to play too.
Bryson DeChambeau could have stolen the show at the Australian Open – just as he did at The Open Championship
The 2025 Open Championship was obviously a massive moment in Scottie Scheffler‘s career. The world number one lifted the Claret Jug after a dominant performance around Royal Portrush.
But it is fair to say that it was DeChambeau who captured the imagination in Northern Ireland.
After his opening round, it appeared inevitable that he would miss the cut. However, he produced a sensational final three days to finish tied for 10th. He actually outscored Scheffler from the second round onwards.
Portrush is a different course to Royal Melbourne. However, golf on the links in the United Kingdom and the Sandbelt in Australia both require incredible imagination.
Which tournament would you like to see become the fifth major championship?
The Australian Open, for example, should almost be the fifth major. The market down there is huge with potential.
Rory McIlroy
It is no surprise, therefore, that 2022 Open champion Smith finished second this past week despite what has been, by his standards, a dreadful season.
In a week when Scheffler and McIlroy were both playing – the American is one off the lead at the Hero World Challenge – DeChambeau passed up an opportunity to potentially steal the show and cement his spot as golf’s global superstar.
If he has watched clips of this week’s event in Melbourne, he will surely be kicking himself.
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