Bryson DeChambeau gives hot take on world rankings amid fans’ ‘best player in the world’ claims
Bryson DeChambeau has been a vocal Official World Golf Ranking critic in the past. However, the 30-year-old now seems happy with his position on the ranking table.
DeChambeau jumped 28 spots on the OWGR table from No.30 to No.10 after last week’s US Open 2024 win. This is the highest position the golfer has held since joining LIV Golf in 2022. The big leap has made several fans and analysts dub him the ‘best player in the world’. However, the golfer has humbly noted that he isn’t giving any titles to himself.
The two-time major winner admitted it’s nice to be a part of the greats conversation but reiterated that he was playing his game without focusing on the labels. He further claimed that No.10 was a good ranking position.
Speaking in a pre-event press conference at LIV Golf Nashville, Bryson DeChambeau said (at 7:50):
“In 2018, when I won back-to-back FedEx Cup playoff events, I felt that – even though the OWGR didn’t reflect me being number one, I felt I was. I felt I was playing good enough where I could win this week, then win again and that’s the same as I feel right now.
I don’t feel like the stats show exactly, but being tenth is awesome given I’ve only played a few events and most of them being majors. Am I the best player in the world? It’s not for me to decide, I’m just going to go out there and play the best golf I possibly can and try to get that darn ball in the hole quicker than anyone else…. I’m not going to put a label or a title on myself, that’s not what I do.”
DeChambeau further noted that he is “here to play the best golf” and “inspire others” while entertaining fans.
It is pertinent to note that Bryson DeChambeau has been freefalling in the OWGR list after moving to LIV Golf. He was ranked No.124 just one month ago. However, his second-place finish in the PGA Championship saw him leap nearly 80 spots to sit No.38. He has now broken into the top 10 of the rankings, for the first time since leaving the PGA Tour.
Bryson DeChambeau slams world rankings
For the unversed, Bryson DeChambeau has been a staunch critic of the OWGR ever since moving to LIV Golf. The ace golfer has openly slammed the ranking system for not recognizing the breakaway tour, letting players including him slide down the list.
DeChambeau was one of the firsts to condemn the ranking body’s decision to deny LIV’s application to allow ranking points to the Saudi-backed circuit. He dubbed it “unfortunate.”
Speaking about the OWGR decision in October 2023, Bryson DeChambeau said:
“It’s unfortunate but on par with how things have gone the past few years. To be frank, giving us spots based on how we finish during the season should be the answer. Top 12 would be a perfect way to restore what once was.”
Despite the fall in rankings, the 2020 US Open’s exemptions helped him be a regular at the recent majors. Bryson DeChambeau is most likely to arrive at next month’s The Open Championship at Royal Troon as a top-15 player on OWGR.