Epic Embarrassment for PGA Tour as Bryson DeChambeau’s Popularity Rises in Nashville; Fans Say: ‘Tiger Level Crowds’

LIV Golf is growing bigger than the PGA Tour, as evidenced by Bryson DeChambeau’s rise in popularity in Nashville. ttmd

Epic Embarrassment for PGA Tour as Bryson DeChambeau’s Popularity Rises in Nashville; Fans Say: ‘Tiger Level Crowds’

6 days, 505 miles. That’s how far removed Bryson DeChambeau is from Pinehurst No. 2. But the LIV Golf Nashville crowd made sure the reigning U.S. Open champion feels at home. Lined-up fairways in the sweltering 100-degree Nashville sun aren’t what many expected. But there they were to witness the newly-minted two-time major winner.

DeChambeau opened with a 4-under 67. Six birdies, four of which came on a stretch between holes 7 to 1o, and two bogeys dotted his Friday round. But with Bryson DeChambeau these days, it’s his engagement with fans that drives the conversation more than the spectacular golf he is playing.

At the party hole, the par-3, 15th, the two-time major winner rolled in a birdie and put his fingers to the ear, urging fans to raise the decibels. DeChambeau also threw his ball—which he floats in an Epsom salt solution by the way—to the grandstand. His muscles gave up a bit, and the ball traveled only to the sand bunker. DeChambeau ran up, picked up, and tossed to the grandstand again.

To be sure, the 30-year-old was getting the vibes from the tee box. “It felt like a basketball arena. It was awesome. That’s what — why isn’t golf in the — it’s 2024. Golf needs to move forward, and this is what we’re trying to do, and it’s so cool to see all the fans out here cheering and supporting and rooting like a basketball game,” DeChambeau didn’t hide his excitement after the round.

The lined-up fairways, a hitherto uncommon sight barring Adelaide, have raised the hopes of LIV Golf fans. A large part of them believes Nashville one-upped Cromwell, where the last signature event, Travelers Championship, is going on.

LIV Golf is growing bigger than the PGA Tour, fans deliver a bold verdict

LIV has suffered from a lack of spectators in its events. However, Nashville blew all concerns away. Bryson DeChambeau is a needlemover and LIV Golf is reaping the full benefit of that. Some on the Internet opined the top 50 on the OWGR who traveled to TPC River Highlands couldn’t do what the LIV Golfer is doing at Nashville.

Comments like “much bigger showing than travelers right now,” “Nashville interest > Travelers Interest” stood for the prevailing sentiment on X (formerly Twitter). One user proclaimed this is the heralding of a new era. “So begins LIV’s growth and eventual domination of professional golf.” Another compared the enthusiasm around the two-time major champion with Tiger Woods at his peak. “These are Tiger level crowds, Bryson is on a different level right now.”

The lined-up fairways and galleries have resonated well beyond the LIV Golf fans. Some users who aren’t traditional viewers of the upstart league are happy to see so many people flocking to golf courses. One of them commented, “They certainly didn’t flock to see LIV. Cool for Bryson though.” Another user wrote, “The fact it’s 100 degrees in Nashville and LIV still pulled more than the travelers is definitely notable.”

This is what Bryson DeChambeau wanted when he accepted the $125 million offer from Greg Norman. “I had a vision of this two three years ago, seeing what the potential could be, and this is just the start.” The 30-year-old is having the greatest time of his career. And he is pulling a nascent league along with him.