“It's a bit like Phil Mickelson” – Analyst rips into Bryson DeChambeau’s ‘PR stunt’ to win over crowds since moving to LIV Golf
In the latest episode of The Fried Egg Golf Podcast, analysts Andrew Cotter and Andy Johnson discussed Bryson DeChambeau's recent exchanges with the crowd while playing, comparing it to Phil Mickelson's antics. DeChambeau joined LIV Golf in 2022 and has since amplified his presence on social media. He enjoys a tremendous fan base on the internet and connects with fans during his rounds.
Last month, Bryson DeChambeau won the US Open and celebrated his victory by joining the crowd on the 18th hole. He even allowed people to take pictures with his prestigious trophy.
In the recent episode of their Spotify podcast, the analysts spoke about DeChambeau connecting with the crowd and called it a "PR stunt." Speaking of the 30-year-old, the show host said:
"When you see him doing everything with the crowds and winning them over, of course, it's a PR thing. But I suppose to the crowd, it doesn't really matter. Because it's a bit like Mickelson, he won over the crowd, but Mickelson's not really like that. But the crowd doesn't care because if they get a handshake from Mikelson in a high five and a little thumbs up thumbs up and a smile, then they go home happy." (29:20:29:40)
However, the host does agree that although it a PR stunt, DeChambeau's antics make him "interesting and fascinating".
"But the thing about Bryson DeChambeau is, at least, he is interesting. He's fascinating to watch, and you need that. You need someone who's a bit different. You need someone who people might think he's a bit of a tool, or you might think he's great. But at least people are thinking about them, so that's what they want, him engaging with them," he added. (29:40-30:00)
Notably, Bryson DeChambeau became the talk of the town following his win at the US Open, and his social media following skyrocketed as well.
Bryson DeChambeau established himself as a fan favorite at the 2024 US Open
Fans undoubtedly love watching Bryson DeChambeau play golf. He is their favorite because he always interacts with them before leaving the golf course. His gestures made headlines during last month's US Open.
Throughout the tournament, he connected with fans, signed autographs, and even took time to pose for pictures.
During one interaction, a fan didn’t get a good picture the first time, so DeChambeau posed again for another one. Golf analyst Claire Rogers shared the clip on her X (formerly Twitter) account.
After the second round of the US Open, DeChambeau told his fans to meet him on the other side of the range and took pictures with them, thanking them for "staying so late."
Bryson DeChambeau is very active on social media, often sharing updates about his life with his fans. He also has a YouTube channel where he posts videos of his golf outings.
DeChambeau recently played at the LIV Golf Andalucia event and will next tee off at The Open Championship, starting July 18.