Bryson DeChambeau is a name that is surely made for history books — the kind that gets devoured by golf enthusiasts and those who can’t get enough of his larger-than-life personality. And while his golfing prowess is undoubtedly impressive, it’s his genuine passion for fan interactions that’s really teeing off a storm. As he puts it, “I genuinely care about the game of golf and growing it globally and inspiring a bunch of people and kids, especially kids, to play this great game.” Unlike some golfers who treat fans like mere spectators as Justin Thomas said in his letter to the PGA Tour earlier this year, DeChambeau believes it’s his duty as a pro and “a bit of an entertainer” to connect with them on a real level. But like many things in life, this also comes at a cost.
You see, despite DeChambeau’s best efforts, many people think his whole off-course personality is nothing but a facade and the golfer is controlling his image. And yet, the golfer hasn’t given up. Speaking with the NY Times, Bryson DeChambeau spills the beans on why being authentic online is his jam. “One, people see the authentic side of me. That’s really important. Two, it’s a great way to connect with people,” he shares with a refreshing dose of honesty. For DeChambeau, building his brand is less about curating a perfect image and more about showing the world his genuine self – quirks and all.
He thinks there’s a fine line between “behind-the-scenes” and “cool, entertaining content,” and he’s all about blurring those lines. “I think people misinterpret ‘behind the scenes’ to (mean) ‘cool, entertaining, fun content.’ There’s a difference between the two of them,” he says, adding a dash of nuance to the conversation. By being unapologetically himself, DeChambeau is building a fanbase that’s all about the real deal. As he puts it, it’s about getting people “more involved in the action and what goes on behind the scenes a little bit, but also just being themselves and creating cool content.”
And well, one golf social media personality, Rick Shiels, is throwing his support behind DeChambeau’s approach to fan engagement. After DeChambeau sparked debate with his enthusiastic celebrations, Shiels asked: “Do you think Bryson’s schtick is scripted or authentic? Does it even matter?” “It’s 10x more fan-involved than anyone else in golf,” Shiels notes, highlighting DeChambeau’s unique ability to connect with his audience. Shiels believes that even if DeChambeau’s approach is staged, it’s still more exciting than being “authentically boring” and uninterested in fans.
“Most players, you are lucky to get a tip of the cap,” he adds, emphasizing DeChambeau’s exceptional fan engagement. With his energetic celebrations and crowd interactions, DeChambeau is redefining what it means to be a golfer in the public eye. But not only Shiels, many big names in golf are jumping on the DeChambeau bandwagon, and it’s easy to see why.
Johnson Wagner Says Bryson DeChambeau Has Got ‘More Support Than He Ever Had’
Johnson Wagner, a PGA Tour pro, recently spilled the beans on Bryson DeChambeau‘s evolution as a player and entertainer on Fried Egg Golf’s YouTube channel. Wagner defended DeChambeau’s authenticity, saying, “Whether it’s real or it’s fake like the engagement he has with the fans… he’s got more support than he ever had.” And let’s be real, DeChambeau’s fan engagement game is on point – remember that time he spent an entire day with a young fan battling cancer, Evan A. Hayes, covering the family’s expenses and creating lifelong memories? Talk about going above and beyond!
Wagner believes DeChambeau has benefited from joining LIV Golf, allowing him to express himself more freely and tap into his creative side. “He’s the only one that has really benefited from that decision… good on him, man. He’s been great to me every time I’ve asked him to do anything, he does it,” Wagner said, giving DeChambeau a hearty nod of approval.
Wagner’s also impressed with DeChambeau’s growth as a player, noting that he’s “way more well-rounded, the short game, the putting.” DeChambeau’s innovative “arm-lock” technique with his SIK Pro C-Series putter has revolutionized his putting game, giving him better consistency and control. It’s clear that DeChambeau’s found his groove, both on and off the course. But what are your thoughts on the matter? Do you think DeChambeau’s actions are ‘authentic’, or is it all just a clever marketing ploy? Let us know in the comment section below!
The post Bryson DeChambeau Comes Clean About His ‘Authentic’ Self Amid Allegations He’s Been Faking It All appeared first on EssentiallySports.
