The Moment Bryson Lost His "People's Champ" Crown

By Lewis Barnett 23 July, 2025 8 mins read 296 Views

God, this one stings to write.

I've been following Bryson DeChambeau since his amateur days, back when everyone thought his single-length irons were just another weird college kid experiment. Watched him bulk up like a linebacker in 2020. Cheered when he finally broke through at Winkel Bay. Even defended him through all the slow-play controversies and the whole Koepka feud thing.

But this weekend at The Open? Man, this hit different.

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When Your Hero Shows His True Colors

The footage surfaced Sunday evening while Scottie Scheffler was busy collecting his trophy (DeChambeau tied for 10th, if you're keeping score). Bryson had yanked one into the thick stuff - happens to everyone, right? We've all been there, cursing under our breath as we trudge through knee-high fescue looking for a little white ball that cost us three bucks.

Here's where it gets ugly.

There's this volunteer - unpaid, mind you - standing in the grass pointing toward where the ball might've landed. Just doing his job, trying to help. And Bryson? He walks over with this attitude and basically dismisses the guy like he's furniture.

"You can move out of teh way."

That's it. No "thank you." No acknowledgment that this person gave up their weekend to help make the tournament run smoothly. Just... move.

The Internet Had Thoughts (Obviously)

Twitter exploded faster than my golf buddy's temper after a three-putt. "Treating a volunteer poorly will always suck," one person wrote. Another called it "disgusting behaviour" - and honestly? They weren't wrong.

My personal favorite response: "Poor volunteer getting that treatment from someone who's supposed to be a professional and role model."

Ouch.

Look, I get it. Golf's frustrating. I once threw a 7-iron into a pond after chunking my fourth shot on a par-3 (still regret that $180 mistake). But there's a difference between getting mad at your game and taking it out on people who are there to help you.

The Defense Squad Showed Up Too

Not everyone piled on, though. Some fans jumped to Bryson's defense with the enthusiasm of lawyers billing $500 an hour. One compared the volunteer to Happy Gilmore's caddie, which... okay, I guess? Another just wrote "Look at all these haters" and called it a day.

But here's the thing - and this is where I probably lose some readers - even if you think the criticism is overblown, you can't deny this moment felt off-brand for someone who's spent the last two years cultivating this "man of the people" image.

Why This Actually Matters

Earlier that same day, Bryson had won over fans by switching to his driver after the crowd groaned when he pulled an iron on the tee. Classic people-pleaser move. Got everyone cheering again.

That's the Bryson we thought we knew. The guy who listens to fans, engages with social media, makes golf feel accessible.

This volunteer thing? It's like seeing your favorite teacher yell at a student for asking a question. Doesn't matter if they were having a bad day - it changes how you see them.

Maybe I'm being too harsh. Maybe the volunteer really was standing in an awkward spot (though the footage doesn't really support that). Maybe Bryson was just focused on his game and didn't realize how it came across.

But impact matters more than intent sometimes.

The "people's champ" title isn't something you earn once and keep forever. It's something you have to live up to every single day, especially when the cameras are rolling and volunteers are giving up their weekends to make your sport possible.

Bryson forgot that this weekend. And we all noticed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are golf's basic rules?

The game of golf is governed by a comprehensive set of rules that are standardized by the R&A and the United States Golf Association (USGA). The essence of golf is to play a ball from the teeing ground into the hole by a stroke or successive strokes in accordance with the Rules. Key principles include playing the ball as it lies, playing the course as you find it, and completing the hole in the fewest strokes possible. Rules violations such as playing the course from the incorrect place, hitting the ball in the wrong direction, and losing the ball are punishable. Golf etiquette, while not strictly part of the rules, is integral to the game, addressing considerations such as safety, consideration for others on the course, and taking care of the course.

What are the best ways to maintain and care for my golf clubs?

Proper care of your golf club will prolong their life and ensure they perform the way you intended. Use a brush with soft bristles and soapy water after each round to clean club heads and grooves. Dirt and grass can negatively affect shot accuracy. Wipe down the shafts with a damp cloth to remove any debris, and check grips for wear and tear - they may need replacing every year or so, depending on usage. Store your clubs in an area that is cool and dry, since extreme temperatures or moisture can cause them to be damaged. Headcovers can be used to protect woods and putters from scratches and dings during transport.

Can I golf alone or will I need someone to play with?

It is possible to play golf alone. Many golfers find the challenge and peace of playing by themselves appealing. Solo play allows you to focus on your game without distractions and can be a great way to practice. However, golf is also a social sport, and playing with partners can enhance the golfing experience - providing competition, camaraderie, and the opportunity to learn from others. Golf courses usually allow single-player play, particularly at less busy times. But some golf courses may pair players together with groups to optimize the course's usage during peak hours.

How can I select the best golf club for my shot?

Selecting the correct club is based on factors such as distance, wind conditions and hazards. It also depends on your level of skill. Woods are generally used for long distance shots from the tee and fairway. As you approach the green, lower-numbered clubs (such as a 4 and 5) are used to hit longer shots. Higher-numbered clubs (such as an 8 and 9) are used to make shorter shots. A pitching/sand wedge will be chosen to hit precise shots near the hole. A putter will then be used to put on the green. The club selection process is greatly aided by knowing the distance from the target to your club and how far each club can be hit.

How can I determine my handicap in golf?

A golf handicap is an objective measure of the golfer's ability. It allows players with different skill levels to compete in a fair manner. To establish a handicap, you need to submit scores from a minimum number of rounds (the specific number may vary by country's golf association) to your golf club's handicap committee or a handicap service. This score is adjusted for the difficulty level of the course, and the tee that you played off. A specific calculation method averages out the best differentials from all the rounds. The national golf association or your golf club can give you detailed guidelines on handicap calculation.

How can I improve the way I play golf?

It is possible to improve your golf swing with practice, proper technique and, often, with professional instruction. Start with the basics of a strong stance. It's important to keep your feet shoulder-width, hold the club with a grip that is neither too tight, nor too loose, and maintain an upright posture for a fluid movement. Slow motion swings are a good way to grasp the various components, such as the path of the swing, the clubface's alignment, and your point of impact. Spend time on the driving range or with a professional coach to improve your technique. Consistency is important, so don't worry about hitting the ball harder, but rather focus on making a good swing.

What kind of golf ball is best for a beginner?

A beginner should opt for a golf ball that promotes durability and provides a good mix of distance and control. Two-piece golf balls are often recommended for beginners due to their hard outer layer and solid core, which make them less expensive, longer-lasting, and able to travel further distances. These balls tend to be less spinny, which allows for better control. As a golfer's skills progress, using different types of balls can help improve shot-making and refine preferences.

Statistics

Studies show that practicing putting for at least 15 minutes before a round can improve a player's putting accuracy by as much as 25%.
Over 35% of new golfers express the desire to play more rounds after experiencing their first full 18-hole game.
Players with a consistent pre-shot routine are 50% less likely to make a mistake due to external distractions.
The average golfer spends about $500 on initial equipment when committing to learn the game.
Approximately 2.2 million people took up the game of golf in 2020, reflecting a significant increase in interest among beginners.
It is estimated that over 90% of dedicated golfers maintain their equipment regularly, which aids in performance consistency.
More than 75% of beginners who participate in structured practice report feeling more confident on the golf course.

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How To

How To Deal with Frustration and Stress On The Golf Course

If you want to manage frustration and stress on the course, it is important that you have realistic expectations of your abilities. You should also understand that golf requires patience and learning. To calm your nerves, and to maintain focus, practice deep breathing exercises. Develop a routine to stay in the present, redirecting your mind from negative thoughts to the current shot. Accept mistakes as opportunities to learn and improve your game. Consider walking in between holes as physical exercise to help reduce stress. This will also clear your mind and prepare you for the next stroke. Remember that golfing is a leisure activity and your main goal should be enjoyment.