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Each morning on “Golf Talk Today,” our staff discusses various elements of the PGA Tour, LPGA, LIV Golf and more.
It’s the final Sunday of the 124th US Open.
Bryson DeChambeau leads by three strokes after the final 18 holes. His 3-under 67 on Saturday was impressive to watch. But what was most interesting wasn’t his physical golf game, it was the way he ultimately captivated the crowd. Throughout his round on Saturday, the crowd was chanting USA-USA-USA like it was the Ryder Cup.
He may be playing for LIV Golf, but fans love DeChambeau.
So, make some coffee, have some breakfast, settle in and let’s discuss why DeChambeau is a better golfer.
Bryson DeChambeau’s U.S. Open performance is good for golf
People will probably continue to love or hate DeChambeau, and many feel he is the same guy he was a few years ago when he won his first U.S. Open in 2020. But he is not the same person, physically or mentally.
He brings excitement to the event. DeChambeau interacts with the crowd. The 30-year-old stopped mid-round to sign flags for kids wearing flat caps.
Bryson DeChambeau took time mid-round to sign an autograph for a young boy wearing the same hat he once wore.
Definitely the coolest moment today at the US Open. pic.twitter.com/OJE7LnloGn
— Tour Pro ️♂️ (@OfficialTourPro) June 16, 2024
DeChambeau has changed his outlook on fans, and it shows.
Golf needs a personality like DeChambeau, whose quirky, nerdy, scientific approach to the game is who he is, not pretense, and maybe because the average golf fan only sees him four times a year, it won’t be as jarring as it once was.
Those who follow him know that his social media content is relatable and fun to watch, as he shares about his personality and himself.
DeChambeau said, Many people want to see In the major leagues.
Whether it was a conscious effort, good advice or just natural fun, it’s unclear, but Bryson put in a masterful performance from start to finish today when it came to captivating the crowd. https://t.co/6F84Nj1Oe2
— Jeff Darlington (@JeffDarlington) June 16, 2024
Bryson, who leads by three strokes, was being watched by five spectators on the driving range as he hit balls as of 8:45 p.m.
Who is the most interesting man in golf?— Trevor Immelman (@TrevorImmelman) June 16, 2024
Bryson DeChambeau is a great example of an athlete who has used content to grow his brand.
I recently got interested in golf and watched his videos and now I watch every tournament just to see him play.
— Lucas (@DontBeSaad20) June 15, 2024
Growth in the game is something many in professional golf want to see happen, and DeChambeau is making that happen.
The “USA-USA-USA” chants on Saturday irked some, but it did have a Ryder Cup feel at a major. That’s special. Love him or hate him, the exposure DeChambeau brings to the golfing world far outweighs who he plays for.
In case you missed it: Top news from the U.S. Open
Check out the story below:
U.S. Open Day 3 winners and losers: Bryson DeChambeau dominates, can Rory McIlroy win?
Tony Finau and Ludvig Aaberg lose on 13th hole, ending their U.S. Open chances
Rory McIlroy is growing more confident despite Bryson DeChambeau having a big lead at the U.S. Open.
Scottie Scheffler’s putter throws him off the right track on the U.S. Open leaderboard
PGA Tour, LIV Golf Fans Go Wild for Cameron Smith’s No-Hands Polo at the U.S. Open
Savannah Lee Richardson is a Golf Staff Writer for SB Nation Playing Through. Follow us for more golf articles. Follow You can follow us on all major social platforms. You can also follow us on Twitter Follow Instagram: @savannah_leigh_sports
