Bryson DeChambeau entered Sunday’s final round at The Masters just two shots back from the lead. The formerly controversial-turned-widely popular golf pro overcame an up-and-down day to finish three-under par during the third round and closed out the day with a bang.
However, it was his appreciation for the fans that really stood out.
DeChambeau, who was at one point the biggest villain in golf by nature of his out-spoken demeanor and on-course oddities, has since won over the masses. His likability has skyrocketed over the last 18/24 months to the point that his most vocal haters are now fans and the 31-year-old’s following on social media has grown exponentially. Brooks Koepka even admitted that he got DeChambeau completely wrong after squashing their long-standing beef.
Saturday served as yet another example of why the public image of The Scientist has changed. Part of that shift in stems from some very obvious aura farming, like on No. 15 at Augusta.
Bryson DeChambeau aura farming on the 15th hole at Augusta pic.twitter.com/Qa7lN3QYyo
— Luke (@Lukapotamus___) April 12, 2025
Part of the rise stems from kindness and appreciation. He seems like a genuinely nice guy.
Bryson DeChambeau hit a lengthy putt from just off of the green on No. 18 to get within two strokes of Rory McIlroy. It was electric. Even though the stakes were not quite as high as they would be in the same situation on Sunday, the scene was straight out of a movie. The crowd went wild. As did DeChambeau.
An emphatic finish. Bryson DeChambeau birdies No. 18 ahead of the final round. #themasters pic.twitter.com/8McweulZGO
— The Masters (@TheMasters) April 12, 2025
Most golfers are rather stoic (for lack of better word) as they walk back to the clubhouse. They will sometimes hold out a hand for a high-five or two, or stop to sign a hat or a glove. Sometimes.
Bryson DeChambeau took a completely opposite approach. He was fired up.
It’s amazing when you get the patrons going and you look over at them and get them fired up […]
It makes me realize what I’m doing it for.
— Bryson DeChambeau
He made sure to high-five every single fan outside the ropes. One kid in particular was especially excited to see him and asked for his hat. As a result, DeChambeau completely missed his hand.
Rather than marching on to the clubhouse, he made a point to stop and give him a fist bump. Although the hat stayed on DeChambeau’s head, the kid had a massive smile on his face.
Gotta give Bryson credit. He has figured it out. This is great!
— Rick Golfs (@Top100Rick) April 12, 2025
Most players made the post 18 walk with a head nod and strolled by.
Bryson gave the fans what they want. Some acknowledgement. He even missed a kid and went back to make right.
I guarantee every one of these… pic.twitter.com/xuuVvddLiU
It was a cool gesture for Bryson DeChambeau to circle back. Nobody would’ve thought twice if he didn’t. And yet, the man who was once hated by many is now one of the most likable guys in golf because of the little moments like this. He gets it.