Golf isn’t usually a place for standing ovations and crowd frenzies—but Bryson DeChambeau just turned that on its head.
After wrapping up an electric final round at Royal Portrush, it wasn’t the scorecard that had everyone buzzing—it was the atmosphere.
DeChambeau didn’t just play golf. He performed.
A Victory Lap Without the Trophy
Even though he wasn’t crowned the Champion Golfer of the Year—Scottie Scheffler took that honor—DeChambeau’s walk back onto the 18th green felt like a superstar encore.
He had already shaken hands with playing partner Nathan Kimsey, tipped his cap to the marshals, and left the green, when something pulled him back.
He returned to a roaring grandstand, cap in hand, saluting fans on every side like a headliner soaking in their love after the final song.
The scene? More rock concert than golf tournament.
Seven Birdies and a Staggering Turnaround
DeChambeau had just drilled his seventh birdie of the day, closing at nine-under—an incredible leap from his disastrous seven-over opening round.
At one point, he looked like a lock to miss the cut.
But this wasn’t just a comeback—it was a total rebirth.
Children dangled over railings near the 18th green, screaming for DeChambeau to toss them his ball—or better yet, his hat.
The frenzy was real. But it wasn’t just about golf. It was about celebrity.
Not Just a Golfer Anymore
These days, Bryson DeChambeau is far more than a golfer. He’s a brand.
With more than two million YouTube followers and nearly as many on TikTok, he’s cracked the influencer code in a way few athletes have.
One of his most popular videos? Playing a full round with U.S. President Donald Trump—yes, that Trump—which racked up over 15 million views. And that’s not a one-off. Other viral clips include him:
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Playing with a £90 club set from Temu
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Hosting a $250,000 prize tournament
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Offering strangers $100,000 to hit a hole-in-one over his house
Each video racks up millions of clicks. He’s not just playing golf—he’s redefining it.
From Villain to Fan Favorite
It wasn’t always like this for DeChambeau. Remember the slow-play complaints? The feud with Brooks Koepka?
The odd experiments with single-length irons and 3D-printed clubs? And who could forget the bulked-up “Mad Scientist” version of him that felt more like a linebacker than a golfer?
Back then, crowds didn’t cheer like this. But now? They adore him.
Embracing the Spotlight
Speaking to a swarm of reporters after his round, DeChambeau was reflective but clear-eyed.
“It’s an honour, really,” he said. “When I came on the scene, people had a perception of me. I knew who I was, but it was difficult to express that.”
He credits YouTube for helping him show the world his true self.
Not just as a golfer, but as an entertainer. And that shift, he says, changed everything.
“The only reason we’re getting paid the numbers we’re getting is because of those individuals out there in the stands… I started changing my mindset of what I needed to do to keep them coming back.”
A New Identity for a New Era
DeChambeau’s vision for golf extends well beyond tournament wins. He sees his role as part athlete, part content creator.
“There’s value outside of tournament golf,” he said. “YouTube,
content, entertainment—that’s the stuff that excites me now.
Not more than tournament golf, but almost as much.”
And it’s working. His reach continues to expand, and fans are seeing a side of him that was once hidden behind headlines and controversy.
Eyes on the Ryder Cup—and a Tsunami of Support
His incredible finish at Portrush all but locked in his spot for Team USA at the Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black this September. And DeChambeau’s already teasing the energy he plans to bring.
“I hope I can bring a lot of energy… and a tsunami of a crowd that’s rooting for Team USA!”
That’s not just a pep talk. That’s Bryson in full showman mode.
What About Trump?
When asked if his presidential golfing buddy would be in the crowd come Ryder Cup time, DeChambeau cracked a smile and gave the most DeChambeau answer possible:
“I think he’s got bigger problems on his hands right now,” he laughed.
