Cover Story – Bryson DeChambeau

Bryson DeChambeau is, by most accounts, the most interesting and popular pro golfer in all the land – along with Tiger Woods. He tied for 6th at the Masters, lost the PGA Championship by a stroke and won the U.S. Open, overtaking Rory McIlroy with an incredible bunker shot on the 72nd hole. The galleries morphed from divisive to smitten. 

But it wasn’t always that way. Back in the day, DeChambeau lured curious eyeballs with his superpower talent, while his mad scientist and perceived cocky manner led many to dislike him. His team finally convinced him that golf fans wanted a more approachable hero. One who appears to like his career choice and appreciates the increasing fandom.  

To wit, this year’s PGA and U.S. Open exciting finishes transformed galleries from hecklers to ardent fans, as DeChambeau openly (and consistently) interacted while still hitting astounding missiles. The first clue was when he ditched the Ben Hogan/Payne Stewart flat top cap to a simple baseball cap. Appearances make a difference.  

DeChambeau also shrunk from a bulked-up Michelin Man (241lbs) to a fit athlete (215 lbs.) with an engaging smile. He can still pull off preposterous shots while also making fun of himself. In fact, I’d say Bryson is this generation’s Arnold Palmer, down to carefully signing autographs. He’s become relatable. 

Thus, Bryson’s social media empire has ignited. His YouTube channel attracts over 1.4 million followers (his Instagram lures 1.6 million; Snapchat and TikTok nearly a million) with funny bits, popular celebrity appearances, helpful instruction and having fun doing so. He realized that to grow the game, golf needed a new transfusion of youth. That demographic intently follows its heroes via digital media, rather than reading articles or watching the news. 

“Continuing to grow those platforms in the way we know is something I’m keen on doing and I’m excited to do for the future,” he said. “I think that’s where everything is going.”

Finally, with my reporter B.S. meter on high alert, Bryson DeChambeau’s easygoing manner, intent listening, thoughtful answers and constant smile were proof enough to me that his new renaissance is legit.  

Golf is already better for it.

Rick Arnett: What is your longest measured drive?

Bryson DeChambeau: 428 yards on the PGA TOUR (helped by hitting the cart path).

RA: Did you birdie the hole?

BD: (Laughs), I actually bogeyed it. 

RA: How many fellow pros have tried your one-length clubs?

BD: Oh, at least a dozen. None have gone to them mainly due to pros being comfortable with their existing set-up for so long. 

RA: Was the toughest challenge using wedges the same length as a 6-iron?

BD: Yes. It took some time to acclimate to the longer wedges, but I’m comfortable now. 

RA: Do you still only have one set of your custom 3D printed irons? Isn’t that risky?

BD: Yeah, only one set. However, it isn’t that hard to duplicate if you have the same shafts. 

RA: What was your biggest challenge while bulking up?

BD: The amount of food. I needed about 4,000 to 4,500 calories a day. 

RA: I take it that included a large amount of protein shakes?

BD: A lot. Three to four a day. I wouldn’t recommend it. 

RA: What didn’t you expect during the bulking-up program?

BD: How quickly you can put fat on. That was an eye-opener. 

RA: Talk about your Under Par program. 

BD: That’s one of them. I have several projects going, including one in Southern California and a few in Texas. I want to build driving ranges and golf facilities that are more accessible to young players. 

RA: Should golf go back to a spinnier ball? Tiger Woods has consistently championed more spin because it requires another level of talent. 

BD: Hmmm. I believe current rules and regulations where we can’t hit it farther is challenged by more athletic players via workouts, proper club fitting and searching for swifter swing speed. However, changing to a spinnier ball will not solve the problems we currently have. 

RA: Could the PGA TOUR have offered you anything to squelch moving to LIV?

BD: Probably not at that point. We were miles away from the Tour offering an amount that made us ponder the decision. 

RA: Peer into your crystal ball and tell us what must happen to end golf’s Civil War?

BD: Remove ego from the talks. I could easily come up with a model (along with several pros) which would make sense between both tours, as it’s all about positioning power. I wish it wasn’t about that but rather growing the game. 

RA: Okay, it’s been a while so be honest. The public riff between you and Brooks Koepka…real?

BD: Oh yeah, it really was! We knew it would add some punch on social media and benefit us, so we were not in a rush to make amends. 

RA: You’ve had Donald Trump and John Daly on for your popular Breaking 50 videos. Who is still on your wish list?

BD: Steph Curry, Travis Kelce or Adam Sandler. We’ve reached out to Bill Clinton. Essentially alternating pro golfers
and celebrities. 

RA: What about Phil Mickelson since you’re both out-of-the-box creative players?

BD: Phil is 100 percent welcome to participate. He would be awesome. 

RA: Your social media numbers are impressive. What was your eureka moment?

BD: I always knew there was an audience. Look how Dude Perfect exploded. I just slapped myself on the head and said that’s what I need to do. That’s what the kids are watching these days, and that’s how you interact with them.

RA: How tough is it to handle the increased public scrutiny going from successful
to famous?

BD: I never played golf to become famous. I always played to win tournaments, but it’s a huge transition going from successful to famous. You need to realize that people look up to you and get inspired by you. I’ve learned to acknowledge and respect that. It’s the position that I understand this is a part of the job, and I want to do my best on the job and give as much as I can for golf and fans. 

RA: Who do you admire and sneak a peek at on the range?

BD: Funny enough, it’s Tiger. Always Tiger. Ludvig Aberg is an amazing ball-striker. 

RA: Why did you ditch the Hogan-styled flat cap for a baseball cap?

BD: I started wearing the Hogan cap when I first arrived on the PGA TOUR to honor him and SMU alumni Payne Stewart. I feel like I’m turning a bit of a page in my life, in my chapter and my book.

As I’ve always said, I’m always evolving and changing and growing and adapting. It’s just another one of those things. I don’t know if it will be a thing to stay or it pops up randomly, sometimes randomly with the normal driver cap.

RA: When you shot your 58 last August to cement your first LIV win, (after a third-round 61), did you leave any shots out there?

BD: Well, I bogeyed the eighth. No. 3 I missed a 12-foot putt, lipped out on the 11th. If I played it perfectly, I could’ve shot a 55. 

RA: Do you think a 54 is the magic score goal (averaging a birdie on every hole)?

BD: Absolutely. 

RA: Is it attainable?

BD: You’d obviously have to play the perfect round. There is a $54 million prize if anyone on the LIV Tour can do it. 

RA: As a creative inquisitive soul (with ample resources), how tough was it to build your dream home?

BD: Oh, I’m still building it (laughs).

RA: Thanks. We look forward to seeing you at Maridoe for the LIV Team Championship.

BD: Thanks. I can’t wait.