Express. Home of the Daily and Sunday Express. HOME News Politics Royal Showbiz & TV Sport Comment Finance Travel Life & Style Football Tennis F1 Boxing UFC Cricket Rugby Golf Racing NFL NBA Other Bryson DeChambeau was a popular winner of the US Open as he saw off Rory McIlroy to claim his second major title, and the PGA Tour has been told it needs the LIV Golf star back 08: 08, Sat, Jun 22, 2024 | UPDATED: 08: 09, Sat, Jun 22, 2024
Bryson DeChambeau has become one of the biggest stars in golf after his US Open win (Image: Ross Kinnaird/Getty Images)
The PGA Tour has been urged to do everything in its power to bring back Bryson DeChambeau after he put on a spectacular performance to win the US Open at Pinehurst No. 2.
DeChambeau played a significant role in what will be remembered as a major championship for the ages, edging out Rory McIlroy by a single shot in an electrifying final round in North Carolina. The golfer sealed his thrilling last 18 holes with an impressive up-and-down for par, securing the US Open title for the second time.
Once considered golf’s pantomime villain, DeChambeau emerged as a crowd favourite throughout the week at Pinehurst. In a show of gratitude, the 30-year-old celebrated with the North Carolina crowd upon receiving the title.
DeChambeau proudly displayed the US trophy to spectators around the 18th green, allowing those present to touch the iconic piece of silverware as a gesture of thanks. His growing popularity is sure to benefit LIV Golf as they continue their rivalry with the PGA Tour at the pinnacle of professional golf.
Despite being the US Open champion, DeChambeau is currently banned from competing on the PGA Tour due to his switch to Saudi Arabia. However, according to well-known golf agent Andrew ‘Chubby’ Chandler – whose past clients include the likes of McIlroy and Lee Westwood – the Tour needs to bring the LIV star back onto their circuit.
Chandler spoke to The Mirror with a clear perspective on the current golfing landscape. He said: “I would have thought on Monday that the powers that be on the PGA Tour are thinking ‘we better get [DeChambeau] back in our tournaments’ because he is the biggest draw in golf by quite a way.”
DeChambeau himself has acknowledged the shift in public sentiment, noting that opinions have greatly shifted in recent times.
While several golfers have seen their reputations suffer among fans after joining LIV Golf, DeChambeau’s standing seems to have been enhanced. Chandler suggests that DeChambeau’s move to join forces with Greg Norman’s team has worked wonders for his public image.
The agent elaborated on the impact of LIV Golf’s laid-back atmosphere, saying, “I think because of the relaxed nature of LIV Golf, they can become themselves,” and added, “Rather than putting on this facade that they have all got that they are in a bubble. He is proving that you can just be yourself.”
Chandler also praised DeChambeau’s ability to engage with the audience, remarking, “It was just amazing.”
Reflecting on the golfer’s infectious enthusiasm, Chandler mused: “I couldn’t help thinking how many kids would be watching thinking, ‘I am going to have a go at this’. Whoever thought of him running around with the trophy, whether it was him or the people around him, was a genius. Everybody could have done it for the last 20 years and nobody did. Nobody got the people involved like he did. It was unbelievable.”
He lauded the innovative approach to celebrating victories, stating: “I couldn’t help thinking how many kids would be watching thinking, ‘I am going to have a go at this’. Whoever thought of him running around with the trophy, whether it was him or the people around him, was a genius. Everybody could have done it for the last 20 years and nobody did. Nobody got the people involved like he did. It was unbelievable.”
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