Bryson DeChambeau and the Art of Being Weird
When Bryson DeChambeau hit his drive into the left waste area on his 72nd hole of the 2024 US Open Championship, we all suspected something entertaining was about to transpire. When we saw his golf ball nestled up to a tree root leaving him with minimal options for his second shot, our suspicions were confirmed.
Bryson managed to advance his ball into a bunker some 50 yards away from the 18th green, leaving him with what many professionals agree is the hardest shot in golf: a medium-length bunker shot that would require every ounce of skill and calculation the self-proclaimed Scientist could muster.
By now we’ve all seen what happened next. Bryson hits what he later called the “shot of his life” to about five feet to set up a trophy-winning par save for the ages securing his second US Open title. It was as extraordinary a of a golf shot you’ll ever see accomplished by a player who is anything but ordinary. (Granted, two missed short par putts by Rory McIlroy contributed to the final result as well.)
However, Bryson’s biggest accomplishment had already taken place by the time he exalted at his triumph on Pinehurst’s final hole: by cementing his newer, more entertaining persona for golf’s next generation throughout the week.
Those of us who watched the tournament on TV heard the announcers mention the “new and improved” Bryson DeChambeau multiple times. No doubt a pre-planned speaking point on the LIV Golf star, mentions of Bryson’s growth and maturity since his 2020 US Open win was as abundant as those of the course’s Carolina Wiregrass or waste areas. In fact, during one of the week’s most memorable pieces of content despite occurring long after the tournament’s completion, a subtle nod to The New Bryson was uttered by Golf Channel’s Johnson Wagner straight to Bryson’s face.
The entire segment is below:
Following Wagner’s second attempt at recreating Bryson’s bunker shot — leading to easily the best piece of impromptu golf content in years — Wagner adeptly composed himself to interview the newest US Open champ on the spot. In his questioning, Wagner admits he has long been a fan of Bryson’s while never fully understanding what Bryson “had going on.” He also recollects a separate conversation with “some LIV caddies” about Bryson, who reportedly told Wagner “he is like the greatest dude now.”
Now.
On its surface, this is likely a throwaway adverb that Wagner probably didn’t even realize he said. However, in the context of the greater week-long narrative around Bryson, it’s also significantly astute.
It’s undeniable that Bryson’s journey as a public figure has been odd at times and borderline off-putting to some. Heck, this is the same guy who quipped that Augusta National is more of a par-67 for long hitters like him. His “feud” with fellow LIV star Brooks Koepka satiated social media lurkers many times over. His scientist persona seems layered with snake oil and psuedo-science despite Bryson’s degree in physics from SMU. I mean, the guy soaks his golf balls in epsom salt, for crying out loud.
But at the end of the day, none of this is harmful to anyone. His ridiculous takes on his growing YouTube Channel are both hilarious and eye-rollingly juvenile, but also engrossing and engaging. Bryson is both as harmless and annoying as a puppy in new surroundings. He’s a hoot to have around guests, just make sure you’ve laid down a few pee pads.
At a time when men’s professional golf has become overrun with negativity and divisiveness, Bryson DeChambeau is out there being himself, as goofy and superficial as it may seem. Somehow, it also comes across as genuine. It is entirely believable that Bryson is completely bananas 24/7, even in mixed company. Shame on us (including me) for trying to find anything negative about that.
Yeah, Bryson DeChambeau is a weird dude. But he’s also doing all the right things for an athlete of his stature and prominence, which goes well beyond signing autographs for legions of youngsters or pumping up the gallery in the middle of US Open Sunday.
He is unashamed to be himself while being unconcerned with being anyone else. So far, it seems to be working quite well.
