Downhill is the only way to describe LIV Golf’s TV ratings. In a key matchup between LIV Golf Miami and the PGA Tour’s Valero Texas Open, the PGA Tour dominated the ratings. Despite LIV’s strong leaderboard featuring big names like Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau, and Phil Mickelson, the tour’s best-ever TV figure of 484,000 viewers on Sunday paled in comparison to the PGA Tour’s 1.746 million viewers.
While LIV edged the PGA Tour on Friday with 389,000 viewers, the PGA Tour blew it away over the weekend, with LIV’s Sunday audience share coming in at just 27% of the PGA Tour’s. And well, one golf analyst think there is one golfer that can help LIV gain traction again.
Speaking on the latest YouTube episode of 5 Guys, Jim Nantz talked about DeChambeau’s popularity because of LIV Golf and what makes him a compelling figure on television. Nantz noted, “He’s been a TV asset when he’s playing in the major championships… people haven’t really been watching” on live broadcasts. However, he acknowledged DeChambeau’s strength on social media, saying, “He is a TV star though, when it comes to social media, YouTube, and all those videos.”
Well, there is a reason why DeChambeau is loved so much by the fans. Recently, he welcomed a young fan battling cancer, Evan Hayes, into his Texas home, hosting him and his mom for dinner and even playing golf together. DeChambeau covered all the expenses for the meet-up, including flights and hotel stays, and went above and beyond to make Evan’s day special. According to Evan’s mom, Stephanie, who shared their experience on Facebook, “I can’t even begin to explain to you the amazing person that Bryson DeChambeau is!” She added that DeChambeau gave Evan a full outfit from his personal closet and showed them around his gym and trophy room, where Evan even got to chip balls on DeChambeau’s putting greens with him.
Nantz believes DeChambeau would be a “tremendous draw” and expects him to be “in the thick of things” in major tournaments. He added, “If he was playing where we saw him all the time on a regular basis… his stardom would be gigantic.” Nantz praised DeChambeau’s ability to seize the stage, citing his performance at Valhalla last year, where he “rallied thousands of people behind him.” And it’s not only Nantz who thinks that.
May 18, 2024; Louisville, Kentucky, USA; Bryson DeChambeau reacts after a putt on the first green during the third round of the PGA Championship golf tournament at Valhalla Golf Club. Mandatory Credit: Adam Cairns-USA TODAY Sports
“Whether it’s real or it’s fake like the engagement he has with the fans… he’s got more support than he ever has,” said Johnson Wagner, defending DeChambeau’s authenticity despite criticism from some fans. Wagner believes DeChambeau has figured out his approach, and his efforts to engage with fans have paid off. Wagner noted that DeChambeau has benefited from joining LIV Golf, allowing him to express himself more freely, saying, “He’s the only one that has really benefited from that decision… good on him, man.” Well, it seems like DeChambeau knows the power he has and he is putting it to good use.
Bryson DeChambeau takes an initiative to inspire young golfers
The LIV Golf star recently brought a standing-room-only crowd to a south Charlotte breakfast, where he shared his message with young golfers from the First Tee program. Bryson DeChambeau reportedly waived his standard speaking fee and made sure 50 participants from the program could attend and ask questions. “My message this morning to the kids… was just getting one percent better each and every day and being passionate about what you do,” DeChambeau said. “Make sure you’re incredibly passionate about whatever it is… take great care in it and do your absolute best every day and learn every day.”
DeChambeau’s passion extends beyond golf, as he aims to grow the game and bring new fans into the fold. “I want to do more than just the game of golf. I want to grow outside of the game of golf. I want to bring other golfers that have never seen the game of golf into golf,” DeChambeau said. With his YouTube channel and social media presence, he’s built a massive following and is determined to keep pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in golf. As the PGA Championship approaches, DeChambeau is focused on his game, knowing that “a lot of things have to go right in majors for you to play well.”
So, what do you think about DeChambeau’s new initiative? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below!
The post Jim Nantz Throws Thinly-Veiled Dig at Bryson DeChambeau Over LIV Golf’s TV Ratings Crisis appeared first on EssentiallySports.