Bryson DeChambeau has emerged as LIV Golf’s answer to Cristiano Ronaldo (Image: GETTY)
Bryson DeChambeau has emerged as LIV Golf’s very own Cristiano Ronaldo after experiencing a surge in popularity over the last two years. The big-hitting American has emerged as a fan favourite despite ditching the PGA Tour for the riches of the Saudi-backed breakaway league.
DeChambeau is currently at the very top of his game after winning his second US Open title at Pinehurst earlier this year. He received strong support from fans as he capitalised on Rory McIlroy’s careless putting to claim the honours ahead of the Northern Irishman.
It has not always been this way, though, with DeChambeau once being considered a parody figure that fans loved to hate. He was widely criticised for his brash attitude and slow play, while a public spat with Brooks Koepka in 2021 did little to improve his reputation.
DeChambeau’s popularity among fans has surged over the last few years (Image: GETTY)
Fast forward two years and DeChambeau is one of the most popular golfers in the world, thanks in part to his thriving YouTube channel. His growth has been so rapid that he is expected to have more subscribers than the official PGA Tour account within the next eight months, according to Joe Pompliano.
His reputation overhaul has come at the perfect time for LIV, who are reaping the rewards of having DeChambeau as their star attraction. They paid around £125million to land him at a time when he was not in vogue, but it looks like their investment was worth every penny when his current popularity is taken into account.
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Comparisons can be drawn to Cristiano Ronaldo, who joined Al-Nassr after sliding down the pecking order at Manchester United. He has since revolutionised the way fans view football in Saudi Arabia in a similar way to how DeChambeau has improved the image of LIV.
DeChambeau is being paid handsomely for his participation but takes home considerably less than Ronaldo, who is among the highest-paid athletes in the world. The five-time Ballon d’Or winner pockets an annual wage of £173m, according to NCG, while DeChambeau has earned just over £21m in addition to his signing-on fee.
It remains to be seen if DeChambeau will be able to continue his good form at The Open, where he will be among the favourites to claim the top prize. If he wins at Royal Troon, he will become one of just 20 players to have triumphed at successive majors since records began.
Source: https://www.express.co.uk/sport/golf/1920701/Bryson-DeChambeau-Cristiano-Ronaldo-LIV-Golf