Bryson DeChambeau is wrapping up his third season with LIV Golf.
getty photos
DALLAS — Longtime Dallas resident and US Open champion Bryson DeChambeau has a home game coming up: the season-ending LIV Golf Team Championship here at Maridoe Golf Club from Sept. 20-22.
While on Thursday to promote the event, DeChambeau spoke exclusively with GOLF.com about a variety of topics, including his most-watched round with former President Donald Trump, his transition (both physically and mentally) and what steps he would take if elected LIV commissioner for a day.
This interview has been slightly edited and condensed for clarity.
GOLF.com: Your YouTube channel has amassed 1.4 million subscribers. Are you surprised by its success, and did you always think there was an audience for the kind of content you put out?
Bryson DeChambeau: I always knew there was an audience for it. Look at Dude Perfect and the success he’s had. I just slapped myself on the head and said that’s what I have to do. That’s what the kids are watching these days, and that’s how you communicate with them. The first one I ever got got 800,000 views, and it just grew from there.
Your “Break 59” video with Donald Trump was great.
So far, we have 11.7 million views on Trump’s video. The John Daly video we just released has had 4.4 million views. It’s just amazing.
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 asking you to play golf and it should be an honor no matter who you are.”). Given the divisive political climate, how worried were you about how other segments of your audience might receive your video?
It’s sad that some people feel that way. First of all, that video was a great golfer, and secondly, it raised a quarter of a million dollars for charity. [the Wounded Warrior Project]. That was the focus of the video. Of course, Trump is an icon and a character, and we need more of those [colorful] times. John Daly is also a character. That’s what makes great videos.
What surprised you the most about Trump’s game?
Man, his metal playing was great. I can’t tell you the number of times he hit the green within 30 feet of regulation. His driver swing is the most repetitive thing I’ve ever seen. I wish mine could repeat that. Indeed, I do.
Former President Bill Clinton is also a great golfer. Have you considered him as a potential “Break 59” guest?
We have officially reached out to his people and are awaiting a response. That would be great.
Who is next in the series?
You’ll have to watch and find out. We are planning a new series.
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If you were LIV commissioner for a day, what one change would you make?
Wow, good question. I think I’m going to pick up the phone and call the PGA Tour and say, “We need to have a meeting and get this thing figured out. [agreement between the two tours] it works now.”
How important is it for LIV golfers to play in major tournaments?
I would say it is the most important thing. The game is in an interesting place right now. It will be considered. I know that. I have no doubt that it will be found. It will take time. But I know that everyone at LIV doesn’t want to play in the majors, they want to compete at the highest level all the time with everyone as possible in those majors.
How important is finding a network TV partner for LIV to garner more viewers?
I think it’s important, but they don’t really listen to me on that.
As LIV approaches the end of its third year, what kind of progress report would you give the league?
We have changed the concept of the game of golf. I think there are more opportunities now to move forward than ever before. Golf in my opinion was in a place of – I feel like it was a little stagnant. I feel that there were times when we could have done more. There was still a lot to be done, and things were not being done the way some of the players thought they should be done.
Who is, currently, the most talented golfer in each of the 4 categories: driving, hitting, short game and putting?
When my driver is right, I say I’m up there. Rory is really nice, Ludwig [Aberg] he’s up there with Xander [Schauffele] it has a good rhythm. But if I’m right, I think I can take them.
For hitting the ball, it has to be Scottie Scheffler, without a doubt. I have to reach that level if I’m going to win more medals.
Short game, I think I can get my wedges right, but Phil Mickelson is still the best in the short game.
To put it, it should be Denny McCarthy’s hands and maybe Cam Smith. In fact, these two should have a match. That would be great fun.
What’s one thing you learned about Mickelson that you didn’t know about him before the start of the LIV season?
How much you care about the game, how much you care about getting people into the game. He is fun and takes great care of himself. I wish people could see that.
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You’ve talked about how losing the weight you gained early in your career has helped you. Was there a point where you said to yourself, “I have to make a new approach?“
The heaviest I ever gained was 241 pounds. When that happened, I looked in the mirror and said I don’t even know who I am, and I knew I had to do something different. I’m all about getting rid of what doesn’t work, and I can honestly say that I move with more energy now than I did when I was older.
Speaking of swing drivers, what’s the most common mistake you see beginners make?
They don’t hit the swing too hard at the right time. They may swing hard at the top of the swing, but they don’t swing much at the ball. As a result, they throw hard at the wrong time.
And what is the most common mistake that beginners make if shopping the driver?
They have no driver, the face and shaft are all straight. They may have installed them, but someone else may have talked them into new technology and sometimes newer isn’t always better.
Your personality seems to have changed over the years. You seem more open and accessible today than ever before in your career. How did that change happen?
I’d say I’m growing up a bit. Look, I’m only 30, I’m about to turn 31. I would say that understanding others and understanding the game of golf is a big factor for me. I wish I knew then what I know now about dealing with people.
Even today you seem happier than you were in the early stages of your career. Are you?
When I was on the PGA Tour, there were a lot of assumptions made, and I tried to – not to fight, but to say, “No, that’s not me.” Finally, at some point, I just got to a place where I was like, I have to live my life and be me. I will not try to force anyone to think differently about me. I’m going to do my best on the golf course, give people a chance to see who I am, whether it’s on YouTube or the golf course or in major tournaments and play the game, because this game has given me so much.
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