Bryson DeChambeau’s popularity has reached a new stratosphere since joining LIV Golf in 2022.
The American superstar went from being a largely unpopular figure early in his career to one of the most beloved players in the sport. He’s connected with the younger golfing audience like no other player has due to the meteoric rise of his social media presence.
LIV has given DeChambeau the platform to grow. “Golf, but louder” was LIV’s mantra, and that epitomizes him on and off the course. DeChambeau is one of the hardest-hitters in golf and one of the most vocal personalities.
That suits LIV, which has built its brand around superstars. Having big names like Jon Rahm, Phil Mickelson, and DeChambeau is pivotal to the Tour’s success, not only to give it credibility but also to generate a base level of eyeballs as it struggles to compete with the PGA Tour.
This is why LIV should be working tirelessly to bring on board one PGA Tour player who has the potential to become the next DeChambeau.
Why Min Woo Lee should join LIV Golf
Min Woo Lee, like DeChambeau, has become one of the most fervently supported players in golf. The TikTok star has earned the adoration of the younger golf fandom, and that’s been clear to see on the course.
His catchphrase, “let him cook”, is shouted on nearly every tee box on the PGA Tour. Lee even wore a chef’s hat after winning the 2023 Australian PGA Championship to lean into the phrase.
And his internet following made him an immensely popular winner of the 2025 Houston Open this season, Lee’s first PGA Tour win.
That said, Lee is the perfect candidate for LIV Golf, especially with their emphasis on growing the game internationally. Lee’s home country of Australia has been LIV’s flagship event in recent years.
LIV Golf Adelaide was the best-attended event of the 2025 season, with 102,000 fans attending over three days. Imagine if those Australian fans had a home favourite to get behind.
Lee’s first PGA Tour win this season elevated him to a new level of stardom. This presents a phenomenal opportunity for him to become one of the season’s most compelling narratives and take up the mantle of being Australia’s most popular golfer.
What Min Woo Lee has said about joining LIV Golf
Like many players on the PGA Tour, Lee hasn’t been able to escape questions about players joining LIV Golf.
When asked in 2024 during a podcast appearance on The Loop, Lee said he had no intention of jumping ship. He said, “My goal was to play in America. I just tried to do my best and try to get my card. And now I really didn’t want to go anywhere else.
“Going up to the American tour on the PGA Tour. I was really excited about that. I’m really excited again to play on the American Tour and play against the best in the world.
“There’s a lot of names that left and which sucks, I guess for golf, but that’s why I’m trying to step in and make it fun for kids and other guys starting golf.”
So a year ago, Lee had little interest in playing outside of America. But now he’s a PGA Tour winner, and could have a desire to play events around the world, including in his home country.
Lee wouldn’t be the first player to change his stance on LIV. Rahm was explicitly against LIV Golf not long before he joined the tour.
So while Lee isn’t a slam dunk to leave the PGA Tour, don’t rule him out of being one of the players who could join LIV in 2026.
Receive exclusive golf news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
