iStockphoto / Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
Bryson DeChambeau helps young golfer get new clubs.
Bryson DeChambeau landed boatloads of criticism after a strong performance at the British Open. Viewers called him performative. He is now combatting that narrative.
DeChambeau wants people to believe he’s a good guy. It’s not a show. He started by providing a young fan with a new set of golf clubs.
The golfer broke contest conditions to do so. Still, it earned him a fan.
Is Bryson DeChambeau’s persona an act?
The debate was fueled by Rory McIlroy’s comments at the Open Championship. He does not think DeChambeau is a genuine person
“I won’t pretend to be up here and defend Bryson,” he said. “I’m not particularly fond of him. I think a lot of it’s performative. I think a lot of it’s for attention.”
“I won’t pretend to be up here and defend Bryson. I’m not particularly fond of him. I think a lot of it’s performative. I think a lot of it’s for attention.”
Rory McIlroy commented on Bryson DeChambeau’s two-shot penalty at Royal Birkdale and how he handled it. 🗣️ pic.twitter.com/gTyCp95jxC
— Golf Digest (@GolfDigest) July 18, 2026
McIlroy’s comment was made in response to a two-stroke penalty DeChambeau received during the second round. He was, somewhat controversially, punished for improving his lie. It cost him $300,000.
Reports quickly surfaced surrounding the golfer’s 30-minute exchange with rules officials. He was said to have requested Donald Trump’s intervention.
That wish was not granted. He missed out on a Top 10 finish as a result.
DeChambeau mocked the ruling in the days that followed. He was seen pretending to weed whack at one point in the tournament.
@shockgolf All-time move 💀 (Via Instagram federico_p124) #golf #golftiktok #golftok #theopen #brysondechambeau
He also sarcastically tiptoed across tall grass as not to impact his lie on a later shot attempt.
@cleansemaster whether you like them or you hate them, he’s one of my favorite players! here Bryson dechambeau is making fun of himself! #brysondechambeau #pga #golf
McIlroy didn’t appreciate the response, which he calls manufactured. The YouTube star likes the attention. Rory isn’t a fan.
Soon after the tournament’s end, DeChambeau took to social media to shift the narrative. He provided a youngster with a new set of clubs. He is a good person, truly!
Young fan gets new clubs.
TikTok account @BirdiePines posted a video with a caption, “I told my son if a PGA player comments on this video I would buy him a new set of clubs.”
@birdie_pines I told my son that if a PGA Tour player comments on this video, I’d buy him a brand-new set of clubs. Now it’s out of my hands. 😅 Let’s see if the golf community can make it happen. Tag your favorite Tour players and let’s surprise him! ⛳️👊
Bryson DeChambeau is the top response on that clip. “Well, this is interesting…. What happens now?” he asked in jest.
The former PGA Tour golfer is now on the LIV circuit. Technically, his reply did not satisfy the conditions of the giveaway. The young fan will get his prize anyway.
“Purchase will be completed tonight and you officially have a new fan from the little guy!” the OP responded. It wouldn’t have been possible without DeChambeau.
Some have praised the golfer for his interaction. Others call it another act. What do you guys think?
Was the post genuine? Was it another performance to change a negative perception? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.