Bryson DeChambeau Is Walking the Walk in India

While the PGA Tour’s elite are congregated on the Monterey Peninsula—and I’m sure he’d be there if allowed—Bryson DeChambeau is in India, of all places, this week. He’s playing an International Series event on the Asian Tour. He doesn’t need the money, that’s for sure. He doesn’t need the world ranking points, as his win at last year’s U.S. Open guarantees him a spot in the majors through 2029.

So why is he there? To…all together now…grow the game.

It’s a phrase that’s been bastardized beyond recognition. It’s the go-to answer for a player making the jump to LIV Golf. It’s very, very easy to say, and DeChambeau has parroted the line for years. But there’s a crucial difference in his case: he’s actually doing it.

He revealed on the Joe Pompliano podcast last week that he has invested north of $1 million into his YouTube channel, which is the hottest in the space—and, more surprisingly, that he hasn’t profited off it. Why, then, is he doing it? And why is he investing all this money into redeveloping his hometown. Why did he stay late into the night at Pinehurst, letting anyone who stayed late touch the U.S. Open trophy? Because he cares about this sport and the legacy he leaves on it.

Look, Bryson is an easy target. We’ve all taken our shots at him. You might find him cringey, or commercial—that’s your prerogative. But what he is doing for the game of golf deserves serious praise. He’s said he wants to see the world and spread the gospel of golf, and he’s doing it. He visited the Taj Mahal this week. He put on a huge clinic with Anirban Lahiri for a ton of excited young kids. And he’s drawn massive crowds to DLF Golf Club this week, with more expected on the weekend.

There will come a time in the not-distant future when the professional game comes back together. And when it does, Bryson 2.0 could well be the face of it. We’re lucky to have him in our sport, even if he’s not your exact cup of tea.