LIV Golf has been turning heads with its recent achievements, be it the long-awaited TV broadcaster deal or the massive audience gathering at the recent LIV Golf Adelaide event. The credit for this significant progress goes to both, the team and the players, that have contributed even off the course. Top names like Phil Mickelson, Bryson DeChambeau, Brooks Koepka and Jon Rahm have left an impact, beyond their phenomenal performances on the greens.
Since its beginning, the LIV Golf’s only hope of survival against the legendary golf league, the PGA Tour, was getting top golfers. Now with more than 100,000 fans cheering live at the Grange Golf Club, the hopes of the league have been set higher. In discussion about the league’s success, Phil Mickelson is stepping away from the comparison made about who’s contributions mattered more.
At a recent pre-tournament press conference for the LIV Golf Hong Kong event, Phil Mickelson and CEO Scott O’Neil shared new insights on the league’s growth. In the discussion, the moderator asked Mickelson, “Phil, I’m going to take a quote from our CEO. LIV Golf has turned our headwinds and tailwinds. We have incredible momentum now; the wind is at our back. As one of the founders of LIV Golf, here from the beginning, watching the whole thing develop, can you talk about the progress that you’ve seen, particularly this year, and where you see the future of LIV?”
September 15, Mamaroneck, New York, USA: BRYSON DECHAMBEAU and PHIL MICKELSON fist bump on the 18th green during the practice round at the 2020 U.S. Open at Winged Foot Golf Club West Course in Mamaroneck, N.Y. on Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2020. Mamaroneck USA – ZUMAz03_ 20200915_zah_z03_873 Copyright: xDarrenxCarroll/USGAx
In response, the 6-time major winner pointed out the league’s positive changes, including more sponsor interest, higher attendance at events, massive fan support and the promotion of the players. Praising the players, he said, “Look at some of the things that the teams and the players are able to do together to help promote LIV, promote the sport and promote the game is pretty special.”
Furthermore, he pointed out the YouTube sensation and two-time major winner’s contributions, saying, “Bryson, I always use as an example because what he’s doing on YouTube is inspirational.” Dechambeau has been a key contributor to the league’s growth, utilizing his strong social media presence.
A huge compliment for DeChambeau came from the CEO, Scott O’Neil said, “And what you’re doing on social media these days is not too bad.” Mickelson has been active on social media, engaging with fans and creating series with interesting themes, like him playing other legendary golfers. Recently, he shared a video of him playing 2v2 with golf legend, John Daly.
Irrespective of his own tries, Mickelson continues to admire Bryson DeChambeau’s impact on the golf community through his online presence. Adding on to O’Neil’s praise about DeChambeau, Mickelson said, “It’s a small glimmer of what he’s doing, and again, sometimes you have to see it to dream it. Seeing what Bryson has done and the way he’s been able to create interest in a much younger target audience, that’s crucial to the game of golf.”
Indeed, DeChambeau’s presence on social media is unmatched. In 2024, his Break 50 and Ace challenge attracted millions of followers. Wait, there’s more. His challenge videos like “Make a Hole In One, Win $100,000!” gathered over 1 million views in just one month. And his most popular video, “Can I Break 50 With President Donald Trump?” has over 14 million views.
For Mickelson, DeChambeau has been the key figure in expanding the presence of sport. The press conference is the second time he was seen praising DeChambeau and his achievements.
Phil Mickelson praised DeChambeau in 2024 for his social media
Back in August 2024, Phil Mickelson participated in the Break 50 Challenge hosted by Dechambeau for his YouTube channel. But he wasn’t just a part of it, as he was later praising the golfer for his initiative. After the shoot Mickelson said, “Bryson has opened a lot of opportunities and kind of shown professional golfers the opportunities that YouTube can bring and social media can bring. He added, “And he’s doing it in a very engaging way that is bringing a young fan base to follow many of the pros, his teams.”
Mickelson also praised DeChambeau for showcasing the behind-the-scenes of a golfer’s life, using his social media. For Mickelson, this kind of exposure will help the sport get more eyes by appealing to a wider audience. He even said, “Bryson is kind of showing the way, and I think it’s just a small part of what it can be.”
Beyond social media, DeChambeau also debuted at the International Series India before the official LIV Golf schedule kicked off. As a key figure in golf, he has been a great representative of the sport on and off course. Off course, he gets the eyes of 1.74 million people on YouTube. And on course, he gathers massive audience for the tournament.
Golf, which was considered an elite sport, is now evolving and leaving behind the misconceptions and stereotypes associated with it. Now, more golfers taking initiative and scaling the growth of the sport. But for Mickelson, DeChambeau is the biggest driving force. Who has made the biggest impact according to you? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below.
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