On a Tuesday afternoon during Ryder Cup week at Bethpage State Park in Farmingdale, N.Y., the usually quiet driving range transformed into a lively spectacle. Spectators gathered on the far left, drawn by Bryson DeChambeau’s quest to hit golf balls at a staggering 200 mph. His mission seemed less about practice and more about entertaining the enthusiastic crowd, who eagerly anticipated each shot.
Fans were vocal, with shouts like “Rory can`t do that, Bryson!” and “I heard he`s nervous!” echoing through the air as DeChambeau`s ball speeds registered 191, then 193 mph. With a large screen displaying the speed and distance of every strike, each swing was packed with anticipation. The crowd`s excitement grew, leading to a “USA” chant. Even fellow golfer J.J. Spaun joined in, urging DeChambeau on. Unfazed, DeChambeau focused, delivering speeds of 196, 198, and finally, 199 mph.
The two-time U.S. Open champion thrives on this energy. He launched another ball, and the powerful recoil nearly sent him off balance. The result: 200 mph ball speed and a 361-yard carry. Turning to the cheering onlookers, he offered a knowing smile and a shrug, having delivered exactly what they craved.
“Bryson, this is his arena,” remarked Xander Schauffele. “If he views himself as a gladiator golfer, this is as good as it gets.”
The Ryder Cup provides an ideal stage for DeChambeau`s distinctive persona, whether one sees it as theatrics, showmanship, or simply an acquired taste. This high-drama event allows him to fully embrace his roles as a towering performer and a crowd-pleasing star. The question then becomes: can this unique blend lead to victory?
“I was telling Keegan, I feel like Bryson could be like the difference for us, in a strange way, from the standpoint of feeding into these fans, the style of golf he plays,” Schauffele added. “I think his points might hit harder than my points.”
DeChambeau`s unforgettable moment at Whistling Straits in 2021, where he drove the first green and ignited the crowd, remains a cherished memory. That performance, which contributed to a dominant 19-9 American victory, marked the beginning of his skyrocketing popularity.
Despite his move to LIV Golf in 2022 and his absence from the 2023 Ryder Cup team that lost in Rome, DeChambeau`s fan base has only grown. His 2024 U.S. Open win and engaging YouTube content have further boosted his public profile. While DeChambeau frequently champions YouTube as a tool for “growing the game” and improving his own play, some critics view this evolution as insincere or self-promotional.
“Bryson plays most of his golf on a tour where he mostly could be in the witness protection program,” stated Golf Channel analyst Brandel Chamblee. “Nobody watches, he doesn`t get any attention. So when he does come out, there`s a bit of a circus-barker element to it to drum up some interest for himself.”
His outspoken style has previously caused friction with other players, notably Brooks Koepka, and more recently, Rory McIlroy. McIlroy reportedly avoided speaking with DeChambeau during their final-round pairing at the Masters. When DeChambeau hinted at “chirping in [Rory`s] ear” this week, McIlroy`s retort was pointed: “I think the only way he gets attention is by mentioning other people.”
Regardless of whether his actions are genuine or calculated, or whether they stem from a desire for attention or personal satisfaction, DeChambeau has undeniably become a charismatic showman. This version of DeChambeau — the audacious, boisterous, fan-engaging, and autograph-signing star — projects an aura that can be either thrilling or irritating, depending on one`s allegiance.
“I`ve always enjoyed Bryson,” said the usually reserved Russell Henley. “Explosive is a great word for how he plays… I think we operate a lot differently on the golf course, and he plays a much different game than I do.”
DeChambeau’s approach often stands in stark contrast to traditional golf, particularly 72-hole stroke play, where players typically maintain composure and avoid overt displays of emotion. Bryson, however, processes, expresses, and reacts openly, both verbally and through his body language. Witnessing him navigate a course with immense 340-yard drives and a unique set of same-length irons is inherently captivating. When this dynamic is combined with match play and the stakes of team and country, DeChambeau`s unconventional method becomes a significant asset.
“His golfing ability alone is an X factor for our team, but also, he`s a really fiery player,” explained U.S. team captain Keegan Bradley. “When you come to a Ryder Cup, you don`t want guys to try to be something they`re not. We have a lot of calm, mellow guys, so we need the energy from Bryson, and he brings that every day.”
In a team competition with a unified objective, the American side is more inclined to embrace every aspect of the DeChambeau phenomenon. Players have consistently commended DeChambeau for his dedication to the team, despite his affiliation with a different tour, highlighting his presence at the Ryder Cup boot camp and his contributions to the team room.
“He`s made every effort possible and been incredible in the team room,” Bradley affirmed.
However, managing his intense energy is crucial. Despite the seemingly perfect match between DeChambeau and this event, his Ryder Cup record is a modest 2-3-1, including 0-2 in foursomes. The decision of who will partner with DeChambeau has garnered significant attention. Chamblee labeled him a “captain`s nightmare” and an “odd duck” in relation to the challenge of finding him a suitable partner, while Scottie Scheffler, who played with him in 2021, described him as a “great partner.”
During the three days of practice rounds, DeChambeau has consistently played alongside Ben Griffin, Cam Young, and Justin Thomas. Griffin, a confident rookie, appears to be a particularly fitting partner, potentially benefiting from DeChambeau`s crowd-engaging style.
“I hope I can bring a lot of energy and a tsunami of a crowd that`s going to be rooting for Team USA,” DeChambeau stated after this year`s Open Championship.
Glimpses of his dynamic interaction with fans are already apparent. As he moved around Bethpage, DeChambeau engaged with supporters at every opportunity. On Tuesday, after completing a nine-hole practice round, he approached the first tee, and the crowd`s volume immediately surged.
DeChambeau took out his driver, aiming directly at Bethpage Black`s first green, obscured by distant trees. He hit five full-speed shots, inquiring with assistant captain Gary Woodland and other U.S. team staff — who had a spotter near the green — if the ball had landed. He hit another.
“Give the people what they want!” a fan yelled. He requested one more ball.
After a brief pause, it seemed DeChambeau might be finished, but he offered the crowd a sly glance, raised an eyebrow, then a single index finger, as if seeking permission for one more swing. The noise once again reached a crescendo, like a band returning for an encore.
“Are you not entertained?” another fan quipped.
According to DeChambeau`s caddie, Greg Bodine, the target carry distance was 360 yards. Only one of his seven shots reached the front edge of the green, but the precise outcome was secondary to the spectacle. The showman had delivered his Tuesday performance. Come Friday, as the United States endeavors to channel his formidable energy, DeChambeau`s act promises to be even grander.
“The people love him,” Scheffler concluded. “I`m excited to unleash him this week.”
