Author: Art Stricklin August 23, 2024
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DALLAS — For longtime Dallas resident and reigning U.S. Open champion Bryson DeChambeau, the season-ending LIV Golf Team Championship will be his home game, Sept. 20-22 at Marido Golf Club.
DeChambeau was on-site Thursday to promote the event and spoke exclusively with GOLF.com about his notable round with former President Donald Trump, his transformation (both physically and mentally) and what he would do if named LIV’s one-day commissioner.
This interview has been lightly edited and condensed for clarity.
GOLF.com: Your YouTube channel has now reached 1.4 million subscribers. Are you surprised by this success and did you always know there was an audience that would enjoy the content you were putting out?
Bryson DeChambeau: I always knew there was an audience that liked that. Look at the success of Dude Perfect. I just slapped myself over the head and said that’s what I should do. That’s what kids watch these days and that’s how you interact with them. The first thing I made got 800,000 views and it just kept growing from there.
The “Break 50” video with Donald Trump was a ratings hit.
To date, Trump’s video has had 11.7 million views. John Daly’s video, which we just released, has had 4.4 million views. It’s incredible.
A few years ago, Rory McIlroy was criticized for playing golf with President Trump (McIlroy’s response was, “It’s the president of the United States who’s asking me to play golf, so it’s an honor for whoever it is.”) Given the polarizing nature of politics, were you concerned about how some viewers would receive your video?
It’s sad that some people feel that way. First of all, this video was great golf content and it raised $250,000 for veterans charities. [the Wounded Warrior Project]That was the main focus of this video. Of course Trump is a person, a character, and we need them. [colorful] moment. John Daly is also a character. That’s what makes a good video.
What surprised you most about Trump’s game?
His iron play is incredible. I can’t count the number of times he’s put the ball on the green within 30 feet of regulation. His driver swing is the most repeatable I’ve ever seen. I wish I could be as repeatable. I really do.
Former President Bill Clinton is also a golfing expert – would you have considered him as a “Break 50” guest?
We have officially contacted his contacts and are waiting for a response. We would be delighted if we receive a response.
Who will be next in the series?
Check it out, we have a whole new series planned.
Why Donald Trump and Bryson DeChambeau’s viral round of golf was so fascinating By Alan Bastable
If you were a LIV Commissioner for a day, what changes would you make?
Wow, that’s a good question. I would call the PGA Tour and say, “We need to have a meeting and discuss this.” [agreement between the two tours] Now it works well.”
LIV How important is it for a golfer to play in a major championship?
I think this is a very important priority. The game is in an interesting place right now. It’s going to get resolved. I know that. I have no doubt that it’s going to get resolved. It’s going to take time. But I know that everybody at LIV wants to play majors and they want to compete at the highest level, against everybody, whenever they can, at majors.
How important is it for LIV to find a network TV partner to reach a larger audience?
I think that’s important, but they don’t really listen to what I have to say about it.
As LIV nears the end of its third year, what progress report can you give to the league?
We changed the vision of the game of golf. I think there are more opportunities to progress now than there were before. In my opinion, golf felt a bit stagnant. There were times when we could have done more. There was more to be done, but things didn’t always go the way some of the players thought they would.
Who is the most talented golfer right now in each of the four categories: driving, ball striking, short game and putting?
If the driver is right, I can say I’m at the top. Rory is really good, Ludwig. [Aberg] Xander there [Schauffele] I’m in a good rhythm, but if I’m in good form, I think I can win.
As far as striking the ball goes, it’s definitely Scottie Scheffler. If I want to win more majors, I have to get to that level.
For the short game, I think you can dial in your wedges pretty well, but Phil Mickelson is still the best short game.
In putting, definitely Denny McCarthy and maybe Cam Smith. In fact, those two should play against each other. It would be great entertainment.
What new things do you know about Mickelson that you didn’t know before the dawn of the LIV era?
How much he cares about the game, how much he cares about getting people into the game. He’s an entertainer and he cares a lot. I want people to know that.
How far can Bryson DeChambeau hit a persimmon? He finds out at the Royal Troon driving range. By Ryan Barras
You’ve said that losing the weight you gained early in your career helped you. Was there a turning point that made you think to yourself, “I need to forge a new path”?
The heaviest I’ve ever been was 241 pounds. I looked in the mirror and said I don’t know who I am. I knew I had to do something different. I’m a big believer in letting go of what’s not working, and I can honestly say I’m stronger and swing harder now than I ever did when I was heavier.
Speaking of the driver swing, what’s the most common mistake amateurs make off the tee?
They’re not swinging hard at the right time. They might be swinging hard at the top of their swing, but they’re not swinging hard all the way to the ball. The result is they’re swinging hard at the wrong time.
So what are the most common mistakes amateurs make when buying a driver?
You don’t have the driver, face, shaft all together. You may have been fitted, but someone may have recommended new technology. Newer is not always better.
Your personality seems to have evolved over the years. You come across as more open and approachable now than you did earlier in your career. How did that change happen?
Maybe it’s just getting a little older. I’m only 30, almost 31. Just understanding other people a little more and understanding what the game of golf entails, that’s a big factor for me. I wish I knew then what I know now about how to interact with people.
You seem happier now than you were earlier in your career. Is that really true?
When I was on the PGA Tour, there were a lot of predictions made, but I tried not to fight against them and say, “That’s not me.” Finally, at some point, I realized that I have to live my life and be who I am. I can’t force someone to change their perception of me. I’m just going to do my best on the golf course and give people a chance to see who I am, whether it’s on YouTube, on the golf course, or in a major championship, and I’m going to play golf because this sport has given me so much.