Welcome to Playing Through’s new morning ritual — Golf Talk Today.
Each morning will feature a Golf Talk Today, where the crew will discuss various elements throughout the PGA Tour, LPGA, LIV Golf, and more.
It’s Championship Sunday at the 124th U.S. Open.
Bryson DeChambeau leads by three shots ahead of the final 18 holes. His 3-under 67 was impressive to watch on Saturday. However, it was not his physical golf game that was the most intriguing; it was how he ultimately won over the crowd. They chanted USA-USA-USA like it was the Ryder Cup throughout his round on Saturday.
He may play for LIV Golf, but the fans love DeChambeau.
So brew a pot of coffee, grab some breakfast, and settle in as we discuss why DeChambeau is excellent for the game of golf.
Bryson DeChambeau’s U.S. Open performance is good for golf
People will likely always love or hate DeChambeau. Many still feel he is the same guy from a few years ago when he won his first U.S. Open in 2020. However, he is not the same guy — physically or mentally.
He brings such excitement to the event. DeChambeau interacts with the crowd. The 30-year-old stopped mid-round and signed a kid’s flag for wearing a flat cap.
Bryson Dechambeau taking the time in the middle of his round to sign an autograph for a kid wearing the same hat that he used to wear.
Easily the coolest moment of the day from the U.S. Open. pic.twitter.com/OJE7LnloGn
— Tour Pro (@OfficialTourPro) June 16, 2024
DeChambeau has changed his outlook on the fans, and it has shown.
Golf needs a big personality like DeChambeau. His quirky, nerdy, and scientific approach to the game is who he is— it is not a front. Maybe since the casual golf fan only sees him four times a year, it is not as off-putting as it used to be.
Those who follow him know his social media content is personable and fun to watch. He shares his personality and who he is.
DeChambeau has blossomed into this guy that so many want to watch at the majors.
I don’t know if it’s a conscious effort, if he’s getting good advice, or if he’s merely and organically just having more fun — but Bryson put on a masterclass today from start to finish when it comes to winning the crowd. https://t.co/6F84Nj1Oe2
— Jeff Darlington (@JeffDarlington) June 16, 2024
Bryson with a 3 shot lead, has 5 people on the range watching him hit balls at 8:45pm.
Most interesting man in golf?— Trevor Immelman (@TrevorImmelman) June 16, 2024
Bryson DeChambeau is an amazing example of an athlete using content to grow his brand
I’m just getting into golf and saw his videos and now I’m watching every tournament to watch him play
— Lucas (@DontBeSaad20) June 15, 2024
Growing the game is what so many in professional golf want to achieve, and DeChambeau does that.
The USA-USA-USA chants turned off some people on Saturday, but it felt like such a Ryder Cup atmosphere at a major championship. It is special. Love or hate him, the exposure DeChambeau brings to golf is far more important than who he plays for.
ICYMI: Top stories from the U.S. Open
Check out these stories:
U.S. Open Day 3 Winners, Losers: Bryson DeChambeau dominates, can Rory McIlroy win?
Tony Finau, Ludvig Åberg collapse on 13, kiss U.S. Open chances goodbye
Rory McIlroy feeling confident despite Bryson DeChambeau’s sizable U.S. Open lead
Scottie Scheffler’s putter abandons him, goes wrong way on U.S. Open leaderboard
PGA Tour, LIV Golf fans obsess over Cameron Smith’s unconditional polo at U.S. Open=
Savannah Leigh Richardson is a golf staff writer for SB Nation’s Playing Through. For more golf coverage, be sure to follow us @_PlayingThrough on all major social platforms. You can also follow her on Twitter @SportsGirlSL and Instagram @savannah_leigh_sports.