FARMINGDALE, N.Y. – It’s a Tuesday afternoon during Ryder Cup week, just after 3 p.m., and the otherwise quiet driving range at Bethpage State Park has been transformed into a vibrant arena. This impromptu spectacle is attracting a standing-room-only crowd, gathered on the far left side of the range. Here, a visibly determined Bryson DeChambeau is launching golf balls high into the Long Island sky, chasing a specific goal: a ball speed of 200 mph. His intense pursuit seems fueled less by an intrinsic need for the number itself, and more by his keen awareness that the surrounding spectators are desperate to witness it.
“Rory can’t do that, Bryson!” a fan enthusiastically called out. Another chimed in, “I heard he’s nervous!” DeChambeau`s speed registered 191 mph.
This scene encapsulates DeChambeau’s unique appeal; each powerful strike of the ball is a demonstration of his distinct golfing philosophy. With a giant screen to the left displaying the precise distance and speed of every shot, each swing builds palpable tension. The crowd’s energy intensified as a “USA” chant erupted. At one point, J.J. Spaun, smiling, approached DeChambeau and joined the chorus.
“Come on, show me something,” Spaun urged. DeChambeau remained focused, taking another swing. The speed crept up: 198 mph, then 199 mph.
The two-time U.S. Open champion wasn`t just embracing the moment; he was actively drawing energy from it, committed to delivering exactly what the fans desired. DeChambeau unleashed another powerful drive, the force of the recoil nearly unbalancing him. The screen flashed: 200 mph, with a 361-yard carry. He turned to the crowd, offering a knowing smile and a shrug.
“Bryson, this is his arena,” remarked Xander Schauffele. “If he views himself as a gladiator golfer, this is as good as it gets.”
The Ryder Cup provides an unparalleled stage for DeChambeau. His larger-than-life persona – whether described as theatrics, exuberance, showmanship, or simply an acquired taste – seems perfectly crafted for this event. Golf`s most dramatic team competition offers an environment where DeChambeau can fully express his most uninhibited self, a blend of a compelling performer and a crowd-pleasing rock star. The crucial question remains: can this distinctive approach lead to victory?
“I was telling Keegan, I feel like Bryson could be like the difference for us, in a strange way, from the standpoint of feeding into these fans, the style of golf he plays,” Schauffele explained. “I think his points might hit harder than my points.”
Many still fondly recall DeChambeau`s dramatic entry at Whistling Straits in 2021 when he drove the first green, electrifying the crowd and ultimately securing a win in that match.
Since that commanding 19-9 American triumph, DeChambeau`s public fascination has only soared. Even after joining LIV in 2022 and missing the 2023 Ryder Cup team that fell in Rome, his popularity reached new heights following his 2024 U.S. Open victory and his consistent engagement with fans through his YouTube channel.
It’s no secret that DeChambeau frequently champions his YouTube channel, asserting that it has both improved his game and contributed to “growing the game” of golf. However, for some, this transformation of his public image feels disingenuous and self-promotional.
“Bryson plays most of his golf on a tour where he mostly could be in the witness protection program,” commented Golf Channel analyst Brandel Chamblee during the network’s Ryder Cup coverage on Monday. “Nobody watches, he doesn`t get any attention. So when he does come out, there`s a bit of a circus-barker element to it to drum up some interest for himself.”
Other players have previously reacted negatively to his style (notably Brooks Koepka) and some continue to do so. Rory McIlroy, for instance, chose not to engage with DeChambeau when they were paired in the final round of the Masters. Recently, DeChambeau stated he would be “chirping in [Rory’s] ear” at Bethpage this week. McIlroy`s retort?
“I think the only way he gets attention is by mentioning other people,” he responded.
Regardless of whether his actions are genuine or calculated, whether you appreciate them or find them irritating, and whether they are driven by a desire for attention or personal fulfillment, DeChambeau has undoubtedly become a captivating showman who excels in his role. This iteration of DeChambeau – the audacious, boisterous, crowd-pleasing, gallery-engaging, tirelessly-signing-autographs version – projects an energy that can be either thrilling or grating, depending on which team you support.
“I`ve always enjoyed Bryson,” shared the typically reserved Russell Henley. “Explosive is a great word for how he plays… I think we operate a lot differently on the golf course, and he plays a much different game than I do.”
In many respects, Bryson`s approach challenges the established norms of golf, particularly 72-hole stroke play, where players usually maintain a quiet demeanor, keeping emotions private. DeChambeau, however, openly expresses his thoughts, feelings, and reactions through words and body language. Witnessing him strategize his way around a course with towering 340-yard drives and irons of consistent length is incredibly engaging. When match play and national team pride are added to this mix, DeChambeau`s unique method becomes an invaluable asset.
“His golfing ability alone is an X factor for our team, but also, he`s a really fiery player,” stated U.S. team captain Keegan Bradley. “When you come to a Ryder Cup, you don`t want guys to try to be something they`re not. We have a lot of calm, mellow guys, so we need the energy from Bryson, and he brings that every day.”
In a team competition with just two sides vying for a single objective, the American team appears more willing to fully embrace the “DeChambeau experience.” This willingness is bolstered by the fact that throughout the week, and even during the Ryder Cup boot camp in Napa, teammates have commended DeChambeau for his dedication to being a part of the team, despite playing on a different tour.
“He`s made every effort possible and been incredible in the team room,” Bradley affirmed.
However, managing the intense energy he brings is equally vital. Despite the perceived perfect synergy between DeChambeau and this event, his Ryder Cup record stands at a modest 2-3-1 overall, including 0-2 in foursomes. The choice of his playing partner has, therefore, generated significant anticipation. Chamblee labeled him a “captain`s nightmare” and an “odd duck” when discussing Bradley`s challenge in finding a suitable pairing, while Scottie Scheffler, who partnered with DeChambeau in 2021, described him as a “great partner.”
Over three days of practice rounds, DeChambeau consistently played alongside the same trio: Ben Griffin, Cam Young, and Justin Thomas. Griffin, in particular, emerges as a logical partner: a confident rookie who could benefit from the energy DeChambeau generates from the crowd.
“I hope I can bring a lot of energy and a tsunami of a crowd that`s going to be rooting for Team USA,” DeChambeau declared after this year`s Open Championship.
The initial signs of this dynamic are already visible. As he moved across the Bethpage grounds, DeChambeau engaged with fans more actively than usual. On Tuesday, after completing a nine-hole practice round, he approached the first tee, and the crowd`s volume immediately surged.
DeChambeau pulled out his driver, aiming directly towards Bethpage Black`s first green, partially obscured by a distant copse of trees. He hit five full-speed shots, consulting assistant captain Gary Woodland and other U.S. team staff, who had a spotter by the green, to confirm if the ball had reached its target. He then hit another.
“Give the people what they want!” a fan cheered. DeChambeau requested one more ball.
After a brief pause, it seemed DeChambeau might be finished, but he offered the crowd a subtle hint – a raised eyebrow followed by a single index finger, as if asking permission for one last swing. The roar from the crowd swelled once more, like an encore from a band that had just returned to the stage.
“Are you not entertained?” another fan asked.
The required carry distance, as later confirmed by DeChambeau`s caddie Greg Bodine, was 360 yards. Only one of DeChambeau`s seven attempts landed on the front edge of the green, but for those who witnessed it, the outcome was almost secondary. The showman had delivered an unforgettable performance for the Tuesday crowd. As Friday approaches, and the United States team seeks to harness his potent energy, DeChambeau`s spectacle is only set to expand.
“The people love him,” Scheffler concluded. “I`m excited to unleash him this week.”
