A Curious Mind in Golf
Bryson DeChambeau’s legend and talent in golf can sometimes distract from the reality of his abilities. It’s not that Bryson DeChambeau isn’t a smart guy—he’s curious in ways that set him apart from most of his professional golfing peers. He delves into deep internet rabbit holes, physics textbooks, and YouTube algorithms without hesitation. His excited analysis of “finite element analysis” on Saturday evening reminded us that he’s a regular (and sometimes overly enthusiastic) nerd in his view of the world.
Bryson DeChambeau Hard Work and Skill
There are plenty of nerds in the world, but few work as hard as Bryson DeChambeau. After countless hours of range time and intense practice, what Bryson can do with a golf club these days seems more like a skilled laborer than a virtuoso. But that’s not all. You see, Bryson DeChambeau’s key trait is that he’s an entertainer, and in the season’s second major, he stands out as an entertainer among a field full of golfers. The fact that he’s just two shots back and a strong contender for the Wanamaker Trophy only adds to the excitement.
Talent Alone Isn’t Enough
The joy of watching Bryson DeChambeau in action was evident everywhere at the PGA on Saturday, but nowhere more so than on the 18th green at Valhalla, where he chipped in for eagle with a 30-foot shot to cap off a third-round 67. As the ball dropped, Bryson DeChambeau erupted in celebration, an emphatic fist-pump from the 18th, followed by a long, animated celebration. His performance continued off the green: he hugged his caddie Greg Bodine, launched a signed golf ball 30 yards into the crowd, flashed a goofy grin at the CBS camera, and let out an enthusiastic “Let’s go!”
Always in the Spotlight
It’s unclear if DeChambeau knows exactly how he looks in these moments, but there’s no doubt he knows he’s being watched. Remember, this is the same guy who went into hibernation and, during the COVID lockdown, spent a year working in a frenzy of muscle-induced distance-chasing madness, competing in long-drive competitions in an apparent bid to boost his manly prowess. Then, he shed most of that weight within weeks after realizing he was allergic to the diet. Now, he’s completely redefined his game. He knows how to keep us guessing.
Keeping Us Guessing
Bryson DeChambeau keeps us guessing. That’s the key to the whole thing. You never know when he’s going to do something utterly ridiculous, strangely profound, or surprisingly oblivious. You never know if he’s noodling with a theoretical piece of physics in his swing or if his driver just cracked in half.
A Strategic Entertainer
You only know it’s going to be interesting, and he knows that too, which might make you roll your eyes some days but enjoy his presence on others.
The Golden Goose of Attention
Attention, after all, is the golden goose at the heart of the sports economy. Golfers aren’t rich just because they can hit a golf ball far and straight—they’re rich because they attract millions of eyeballs while doing it. Without fans and sponsors’ attention, sports TV rights are worthless, and without TV rights money, professional athletes are too. Even the Saudi PIF can’t escape this cold market reality, which is why it spends millions annually trying to make LIV a profitable business unit.
The Importance of Attention
On a personal level, the realities are no different: attention is what most transforms a professional golfer’s financial fortune after golf itself. Joel Dahmen found his sponsor list ballooning after starring in Netflix’s Full Swing, and it’s why Tiger Woods has rarely missed media availability in his life. It’s also partly why a major champion and potential centi-millionaire like DeChambeau finds himself moonlighting as a YouTuber.
Entertainment as a Strategy
“It keeps my mind fresh and in entertainment mode, and it makes me realize what the sport is: not just for me to win more money or trophies but to entertain,” he said Saturday. “Obviously, we all want to win trophies. But being able to entertain the fans is why we’re all here, and I think that’s the most important thing.”
A Unique Opportunity
Entertainment and excellence. Bryson DeChambeau suddenly has a chance to find both at the PGA Championship. His performance at Valhalla has been somewhat buoyed by fans, who have embraced him warmly throughout the week in Kentucky. The crowd is friendlier to Bryson than they were a few years ago—certainly a result of his maturity, but also theirs.
Sunday’s Big Stage
On Sunday, Bryson DeChambeau won’t need a YouTube login to deliver entertainment to the public. He’ll play in the third-to-last group of the PGA Championship, broadcast live on national television to a few million viewers. He’ll have a legitimate shot at his second major title and will do so in front of one of the year’s largest tournament crowds.
The Perfect Cocktail for Madness
To put it another way, it’s the ideal cocktail for more Bryson chaos.. Love it or hate it, well, you’ll either love it or hate it. That’s why you’ll be ready to watch.
The Gift of Bryson
That’s Bryson DeChambeau’s gift. And on Sunday at the PGA, it could be spectacular.