Ryder Cup star who faced intense criticism days before event gives brutal response to fans - The Mirror

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Bryson DeChambeau, the LIV Golf star and Team USA representative, has hit back at critics who have questioned his YouTube stardom. Just days before the Ryder Cup tees off at Bethpage Black on September 26.

DeChambeau brushed off the latest verbal onslaught from Golf Channel analyst Brandel Chamblee whilst signing autographs for a crowd of fans. Chamblee's public criticism of DeChambeau goes back to before his 2020 US Open victory, his first major win.

He even told the US star to stop moaning about bunkers during a LIV event in Mexico City.

From the Ryder Cup desk, Chamblee labelled DeChambeau a "captain's nightmare," an "odd duck," and even a "circus barker," suggesting his personality and obsession with YouTube made him a difficult teammate. He also took a swipe at DeChambeau's subscriber count of 2.43million, calling it "dubious" and hinting that bots were behind his popularity.

Chamblee linked his criticism to DeChambeau's comments on the red carpet at the 'Happy Gilmore 2' premiere in July, when Bryson said he planned to "chirp in Rory's ear" at the Ryder Cup.

"What he didn't do was mention winning the Ryder Cup," Chamblee said. "What he did do was talk about his YouTube channel."

The backlash spread rapidly across social media, but it wasn't left unanswered.

US captain Keegan Bradley jumped to his player's defence, hailing DeChambeau as "incredible" in the team room.

Scottie Scheffler echoed those thoughts and branded him a "tremendous competitor."

He reflected on their partnership at Whistling Straits in 2021 and described him as a "tremendous guy to be out there on the golf course with."

Xander Schauffele went a step further by declaring DeChambeau "could be the difference" when the US attempts to reclaim the Cup.

Those endorsements carried even more significance when supporters mobbed DeChambeau during practice rounds in New York, shouting his name and clamouring to get hats, flags, and golf balls signed.

The scene generated a viral meme that declared: "Brandel will call those fans bots."

When DeChambeau was questioned about Chamblee's comments, he dismissed them with a grin.

"Did Brandel say something yesterday? I don't know what it was," he replied, continuing to the next autograph as chuckles erupted around him.

DeChambeau's Break 50 YouTube series has repeatedly gone viral, attracting 16 million views for his round with Donald Trump, nearly 10 million for a partnership with John Daly, and over 8 million for a session with Adam Sandler.

His latest upload, published just one day before Scottie Scheffler claimed the Procore Championship and its $6 million prize, features him pursuing public course records at Sawgrass's island green and Oakmont's infamous par-4 stretch.