DeChambeau is the X factor in pumping up USA support

FARMINGDALE, N.Y. – Bryson DeChambeau was dubbed “the People’s Champion” – including in a headline on the Golf Channel’s digital platform – thanks to his infectious everybody-gets-to-touch-the-trophy celebration after his 2024 U.S. Open win. His growing YouTube and social media platforms have confirmed his status as the sport’s most popular active pro golfer.

This week, DeChambeau comes to Bethpage Black – otherwise known as “the People’s Country Club” – as part of the U.S. team hoping to wrestle the Ryder Cup away from Europe. He will be tasked with hitting long drives, producing big shots and winning key points for an American team that was soundly defeated two years ago in Rome without him.

His task evidently also includes being head cheerleader on a 12-man roster that has plenty of golf talent but can’t match his charisma and connectivity with the crowd. His ability to draw fans into the competition with positive vibes could be a vital factor against the European team that carries over nearly its entire lineup from Rome and doesn’t seem particularly concerned about a potentially hostile New York environment.

Call it the People’s Challenge.

“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,” said teammate Xander Schauffele.

Noted Cameron Young: “He’s a tremendously popular player. Obviously a huge talent. Big personality. The people love him, and I think he’s loving our team as well. It’s fun to see him kind of in his element.”

“I'm glad he's on our side,” added Patrick Cantlay. “He's a showman out there. I think he's going to get the crowd fired up.”

On a basic level, getting the locals to support the home team won’t be a problem. The Ryder Cup is the lone golf tournament that elicits partisan support from galleries, especially since the Europeans became competitive in the last 22 meetings, winning 12 and tying one.

But DeChambeau might be able to take that support to the next level with his ability to play to the crowd. “His points might hit harder than maybe my points, for example, just because of how he might celebrate and get these fans into this tournament quickly,” Schauffele said.

DeChambeau seemed to understand the assignment as far back as July when the Crushers GC captain was asked after his final round at The Open what he would bring to Bethpage Black. “Hope I can bring a lot of energy and a tsunami of a crowd that's going to be rooting for Team USA,” he replied.

Earlier this week, USA Captain Keegan Bradley called DeChambeau his “X factor,” not only for his style of play but also his ability to captivate the crowds and bring his rah-rah attitude to the rest of the team.

“He's a really fiery player,” Bradley said. “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 practice rounds, in the team room, and hopefully in the tournament competition too.”

That may come across as a responsibility, an assignment. Yet DeChambeau sees it as an opportunity.

“New York fans are incredible,” he said Thursday during his pre-tournament press conference. “I've been up here a few times playing and as rowdy and ruckus as they get, they still love the game of golf. Having Keegan being from around here, St. John's [University] and what he's done to fire up this state, this city and our team, ultimately, is inspiring for us as a team to go out and represent the best way possible.

“I couldn't be more excited for the opportunity to hopefully get them riled up and, you know, excited for what's to come.”

Maybe it comes in the form of a 365-yard drive to cut the corner on his opening tee shot and drive the green. Maybe it’s a timely hole-out or a lengthy birdie putt on a decisive hole. Or maybe it’s just making sure the fans are engaged and supportive, especially if things start going south for the Americans.

Whatever is needed, DeChambeau admitted that he’s better equipped to handle the task than he was in his last Ryder Cup appearance in 2021. He’s grown in character and grown in popularity. YouTube fame has followed. He’s the leader of his own LIV Golf team, which has given him insight from a captain’s perspective. And he’s added another major title to his resume while refining a game that no longer relies solely on power.

“Four years ago, I wouldn't have been as open or ready, I guess you could say, for this moment,” DeChambeau said. “You'll never be fully ready for what's to come tomorrow or the next few days. But the experience certainly does help. And hopefully I can use that to the best of my ability and hit some great shots when it matters most.”

His teammates fully expect it to happen. That’s one reason they enter Friday’s first day confident of defending their home turf.

“This is his arena,” Schauffele said. “If he views himself as a gladiator golfer, this is as good as it gets.”