Bryson DeChambeau, the prominent figure in LIV Golf and a key player for Team USA, has responded to critics challenging his popularity on YouTube. This comes just ahead of the Ryder Cup starting at Bethpage Black on September 26.
DeChambeau shrugged off recent criticism from Golf Channel commentator Brandel Chamblee while engaging with fans and signing autographs. Chamblee’s critiques of DeChambeau date back to before his 2020 US Open triumph, the first major victory of his career.
During a LIV event in Mexico City, Chamblee advised the American golfer to cease complaining about bunkers, further fueling the ongoing verbal clash.
From his perspective at the Ryder Cup, Chamblee labeled DeChambeau as a “captain’s nightmare,” an “eccentric individual,” and even a “showman,” implying that his focus on YouTube and distinctive personality might pose challenges within the team. Chamblee also cast doubt on DeChambeau’s substantial subscriber count of 2.43 million, insinuating artificial support behind his online presence.
Chamblee linked his disapproval to DeChambeau’s comments made at the ‘Happy Gilmore 2’ premiere in July, where DeChambeau mentioned his intent to engage with Rory at the Ryder Cup, but notably omitted any mention of winning the tournament, instead highlighting his YouTube pursuits.
The criticism swiftly spread across social media platforms, prompting a response in defense of DeChambeau. US captain Keegan Bradley praised DeChambeau as an “exceptional” team member, with Scottie Scheffler echoing similar sentiments, labeling him as a “formidable competitor.”
Reflecting on their partnership at Whistling Straits in 2021, Scheffler described DeChambeau as a “great companion on the golf course.”
Going a step further, Xander Schauffele expressed confidence in DeChambeau’s potential to make a significant impact in the US team’s bid to win the Cup.
Amidst practice rounds in New York, DeChambeau garnered substantial support from fans, who eagerly sought his autograph on various items, creating a viral meme humorously suggesting that Chamblee might dismiss these fans as bots.
When asked about Chamblee’s remarks, DeChambeau casually brushed them off with a smile, indicating a nonchalant attitude towards the criticism.
DeChambeau’s Break 50 YouTube series has consistently gained significant traction, with notable episodes featuring interactions with Donald Trump, John Daly, and Adam Sandler, garnering millions of views. His most recent video, released just before Scottie Scheffler’s victory at the Procore Championship, showcases DeChambeau attempting to set public course records at Sawgrass’s island green and Oakmont’s challenging par-4 stretch.