In recent years, golf fans have frequently heard the phrase “Grow the game.”
From players who claimed their switch to LIV Golf was motivated by a desire to expand the sport rather than by the lucrative signing bonuses to established Tours looking to innovate beyond the traditional 72-hole stroke play format to attract new players to the sport.
The phrase has almost become a cliché as we don’t seem to such much action on those three words from certain players in the game, who, at one point, would have led you to believe they were going to change the whole landscape of the game.
But that’s not me painting all players with the same brush.
In fact, one elite star stands out from the crowd in trying to introduce new audiences to the game – Bryson DeChambeau.
It’s fair to say the big-hitting American hasn’t always been the most likeable of characters.
His vision to reshape the game by bulking up and overpowering golf courses saw him viewed as an outsider by many, while his outlandish remarks, including the time he told reporters that Augusta National was a par 67 for him, didn’t do him any favours with the average golf fan.
Brooks Koepka couldn't even get through an interview because he was so annoyed by DeChambeau walking by and apparently talking some "rubbish.”
But since joining LIV Golf in 2022, the 30-year-old has embarked on a fresh start. He ditched his bulking up process in favour of becoming healthier, while his whole persona seemed to shift from cocky, obnoxious golfer to likeable, outgoing fan favourite.
Part of this process has been his eagerness to genuinely grow the game.
His own YouTube channel gives fan a unique insight into the work that goes into being a professional golfer, while his ‘Break 50’ series has seen him team up with YouTubers, professional golfers and even Donald Trump.
The series, which sees DeChambeau and his guest aiming to card 49 or less over 18 holes, offers a fresh, exciting and fun take on a game that many still view as outdated and old fashioned.
It has reached audiences that previously had little interest in the game, and if even one of the millions who tune in decides to pick up a golf club for the first time, that’s a win for DeChambeau.
“I feel like there's multiple ways to grow the game,” said DeChambeau in a news conference ahead of LIV Golf’s Team Championship next month.
“People say that "grow the game" is a buzz word, which is really true, but actions do speak louder than words, and I feel like with LIV and what we've done, where we've gone across the world, as well as what I'm able to do on my YouTube platform, has shown a different light to how the game of golf is consumed, how we're able to provide entertainment, how we're able to showcase unique personalities and different people.
“I feel like I have tried to give a different avenue towards consuming the game of golf, which is great. If that helps bring people over to want to go hit golf balls on the driving range, that's what I care about.
“If it helps inspire a young kid to go up and swing a golf club, that's what I'm here for.”
Many of today’s professionals have credited their journey into the game to the inspiration they drew from past legends.
Phil Mickelson, for instance, feels a responsibility to share his knowledge with the next generation, just as the late, great Seve Ballesteros once mentored him before Mickelson’s first professional event.
For DeChambeau, the spark to become a professional was ignited 19 years ago during a golf clinic with some of the sport’s leading figures at the time.
“What I can say is when I was 11 years old, I did a clinic in front of a bunch of golfers at the SaveMart Shootout Charity Classic that we had each and every year,” added DeChambeau.
“My dad was the general manager at this golf club. It was called River Bend; it's now called Dragonfly. But he essentially threw me up in front of a bunch of professional golfers, the likes of Jason Gore, Nick Watney, Sign Boy, Peter Jacobsen, Annika Sorenstam, Nancy Lopez. You name it, they were there. It was this big charity event for Children's Hospital of the Central Valley.
“I went up and hit three tee shots in front of them. Didn't know how to speak, stuttered the whole way through it with Sign Boy and they were making fun of me, Peter Jacobsen and Sign Boy, and I hit three drives and hit them perfect, and every single one of those professionals came up and said, congratulations, that's unbelievable what you just did, I'm going to see you out here one day, and that inspired me to play this game professionally.
“It's now my vision to give back in that capacity in different ways, whether it's with LIV, YouTube, doesn't matter. That's what I want to do.”
To those who have promised to grow the game but haven't followed through, take a page from DeChambeau's playbook. It's time to do better. The more people we can engage with golf, the more the sport will thrive for years to come.
