Bryson DeChambeau Has Become LIV Golf's Answer to Cristiano Ronaldo (Image: GETTY)
Bryson DeChambeau has become the Cristiano Ronaldo of LIV Golf after enjoying a resurgence in popularity over the past two years. The American big-hitter has become a fan favorite despite ditching the PGA Tour for the riches of the Saudi-backed breakaway league.
DeChambeau is currently on top of his game after winning his second US Open title at Pinehurst earlier this year. He received massive support from the fans, capitalising on Rory McIlroy's reckless putting to take the honours ahead of the Northern Irishman.
But things weren't always this way: DeChambeau was once seen as a parody figure that fans loved to hate. He was widely criticized 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 grown in recent years (Image: GETTY)
Two years later, DeChambeau has become one of the most popular golfers in the world, thanks in part to his thriving YouTube channel. It has grown so quickly that it is expected to have more subscribers than the PGA Tour's official account within the next eight months, according to Joe Pompliano.
His reputation shake-up comes at the perfect time for LIV, which is reaping the rewards of having DeChambeau as its star attraction. They paid around £125 million to get him at a time when he was not in vogue, but it seems like their investment was worth every penny considering his current popularity.
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Comparisons can be made with Cristiano Ronaldo, who joined Al-Nassr after slipping down the hierarchy at Manchester United. He has since revolutionised the way fans view football in Saudi Arabia, in the same way that DeChambeau has improved the image of LIV.
DeChambeau is paid handsomely for his participation, but he earns far less than Ronaldo, who is among the world's highest-paid athletes. The five-time Ballon d'Or winner pockets an annual salary of £173 million, according to NCG, while DeChambeau earned just over £21 million on top of his signing fee.
It remains to be seen whether DeChambeau can continue his form at the Open, where he will be among the favourites to win the top prize. If he wins at Royal Troon, he will become one of only 20 players to triumph in consecutive majors since records began.
Source: https://www.express.co.uk/sport/golf/1920701/Bryson-DeChambeau-Cristiano-Ronaldo-LIV-Golf