US Golfer Bryson DeChambeau TransformsHis Game: Leveraging YouTube's resources
The 30-year-old American golfer snags a one-shot lead on the leaderboard at the US Open, but he casually hands out a golf ball and scrawls his autograph on his cap before slapping palms with an enthusiastic crowd.
DeChambeau appears to be a new man compared to a few years ago. There was a widespread opinion that the golfer was a high-strung, intense competitor, who rubbed his competitors the wrong way.
Fast forward to 2024, and DeChambeau appears much more relaxed and at ease with himself. This change seems to have delivered significant rewards, as the 30-year-old bagged his second major title over the weekend, winning the US Open at Pinehurst in North Carolina.
He clinched the victory in style, holding off Rory McIlroy’s challenge and executing a crucial bunker shot on the final hole, leaving him an effortless putt to secure the title. DeChambeau regarded his bunker shot as “possibly the best golf shot of my entire career."
DeChambeau's 2:0 score is the result of a "lot of personal growth," as per the golfer himself.
"2022 was a tumultuous year for me, pushing me to transform into the person I am today. I've got a solid crew who have been with me since 2022, which has enabled me to become the person I've evolved into now. I can’t thank them enough for sticking by me, as I wouldn't be here without them," DeChambeau told CNN’s Patrick Snell.
"It's been a long, strugglesome journey, but I'm undoubtedly extremely grateful and thankful to have those individuals behind me, persistently pushing me forward.”
The low point in his life in 2022 coincided with his controversial move to the Saudi-backed LIV Golf, as well as his injury woes.
A slip in form led DeChambeau to slide down the world rankings, as he grappled with his game, leaving him in a substantial hole.
“My swing wasn’t cooperating. My ball striking was awful. My putting wasn't up to par,” he recollects.
But, through the aid of his companions and his determination on the course, DeChambeau's 2024 has all the makings of an extraordinary year.
Before flaunting up at Pinehurst, he had orchestrated successful performances at this year’s majors, finishing tied-sixth at The Masters and second at the PGA Championship.
The best was still to come, as DeChambeau showed grit and resilience to clinch his second US Open title, all the while expressing gratitude for the support he got over the four days in North Carolina.
“My goal is to keep broadening the game, stimulating its growth globally, domestically. YouTube has been instrumental in helping me achieve some of that aim," DeChambeau told reporters. "As a result, I believe people have gained a perception of who I am on YouTube, which has been wonderful, because then I get to lean into it. This helps me sustain interaction and engagement. It's such an incredible, incredible platform for me to expose the true me."
DeChambeau’s YouTube channel currently boasts over 700,000 subscribers. He shares educational golf videos along with lighter, amusing clips that involve challenges he attempts to conquer.
He adds, “From my viewpoint, I’m just passionate. I really care about doing well out here and demonstrating the fans a side of me that was locked away for so long.”
An extraordinary day
Not only did Sunday's triumph return DeChambeau to the winner’s circle at a major after four years, but it also coincided with a particularly meaningful day for the US golfer.
The tournament's final round fell on Father’s Day – his father, Jon, passed away in 2022 and DeChambeau confessed that his father's memory weighs heavily on him on Father's Day.
“All day,” DeChambeau told CNN’s Patrick Snell when asked whether he felt his father's presence with him during Sunday’s action.
“There were several instances on 2, 3, 4, even 5 where I was just walking down the fairway, absorbed in thoughts about him.”
And following his victory at Pinehurst, DeChambeau dedicated his US Open triumph to his father.
“This one is for him,” he said.
