Has Bryson DeChambeau Finally Grown Up

I am not a fan of Bryson DeChambeau. Or at least I was not a fan of the big-hitting 30-year-old American.

But that all changed after watching his play and demeanour during the PGA Championship at Valhalla. A man who has attracted a great deal of adverse publicity because of his perceived arrogance has reinvented himself - and demonstrated it in abundance by showing his true class as both a golfer and a human being.

After holing his dramatic birdie putt on the 72nd green to reach 20 under par, DeChambeau headed to the range to keep himself warmed up in the event that he ended up in a playoff with eventual winner Xander Schauffele. In the background was a huge screen, and DeChambeau was glued to the action between practice shots. And when Schauffele holed his six-foot winning putt, DeChambeau realised his race was run.

In days gone by he may well have stomped off in a huff. But not this time.

Having won over the fans with his thrilling attacking play, the American sought out his rival. As Schauffele headed towards the scorers’ tent, DeChambeau appeared, shook his rival by the hand and offered him a warm: "Congratulations." It was a heartfelt gesture and it was absolutely genuine.

And it continued during his post-round interview. 

When asked to comment on his own play, DeChambeau said: “My first emotion is that I am proud of Xander for finally getting the job done. I mean, he’s an amazing golfer and well deserved major champion now. 

"He’s played well for a long, long time. I played against him as a junior. It’s cool to see him, not only he’s just a great human being, but an unbelievable golfer, and it shows this week. Super happy for him.”

This is not something he would have said two or three years ago, of that I am certain.

And that would have been enough. But there was something else that happened earlier during the final round that spoke volumes about DeChambeau.

As he walked off the ninth green towards the 10th tee, he tried to throw a young fan his golf ball. It is a gesture that happens on a regular basis and is something that can make a youngster’s day. They walk away from the course with a cherished memory. Who knows? In years to come it may be one of those kids handing out golf balls.

For a professional golfer, giving a golf ball away is a tiny gesture.

But an adult fan decided that he wanted the souvenir and stepped in front of the boy, grabbed the ball and made to walk away. 

Remember that DeChambeau was focused on trying to win his second major, trailing Schauffele by two shots and with the par-five 10th hole to come. But he saw what happened, stopped and turned back towards the rope, pointing to the offender with his putter.

"Hey!" DeChambeau shouted at the man, who initially ignored the golfer. DeChambeau was having none of it. He yelled:  "Hey! Hey! Hey! Hey! Hey! Hey! Hey!"

The crowd realised what had happened and eventually somebody shouted: "Give that ball back."

"Come on, buddy," DeChambeau told the man.

Without even looking at him, the man handed back DeChambeau’s golf ball to the delighted youngster. He was thrilled and was seemingly oblivious to the drama. All he cared about was that he had his precious keepsake.

Bryson DeChambeau tossed a ball to a kid and a grown man swiped it from him. Bryson wasn’t having it. pic.twitter.com/7Vubu3JeR7

— Shooter McGavin (@ShooterMcGavin_) May 20, 2024

DeChambeau would go on to reach the 600-yard 10th hole with a drive and a six iron. 

The more cynical among you may suggest that all of the above was done for the cameras but I do not believe that for one minute. I never thought that I would write this but I will be rooting for DeChambeau at the US Open.