Is US Open champ Bryson DeChambeau putting on an act? Here's what he told a reporter

Who is Bryson DeChambeau, really?

It's a question that has been asked frequently over the last few months ever since the golfer started contending in major championships again after a few years in the wilderness. 

The American has always been a polarising figure in the world of men's professional golf. 

During his 20s, he made immature statements, rubbed PGA Tour fans the wrong way with rules controversies, pissed off Brooks Koepka, was accused of not shouting 'fore' and even blasted his own equipment manufacturer. 

So DeChambeau, who clearly felt he did not fit in, went LIV. 

His game was already going south when he decided to dip his toes in Saudi oil money. 

Surgery after the 2022 Masters also threatened to end his career altogether. 

But he ignored the criticism, turned to YouTube to have some fun and worked ridiculously hard on his game. 

In truth, he always has put the effort in to improve on the course. 

And now he's arguably one of the most popular players in the game. 

Two years ago, who would've predicted crowds would be pulling for DeChambeau over Rory McIlroy during the closing stages of a dramatic major championship with both players in the mix?

It's a remarkable story for DeChambeau. 

This year at the majors, he waved hello to everyone. Fist-bumped officials. Signed autographs by the thousands, and probably high-fived countless more. 

Apparently, he keeps a Sharpie in his pocket to sign autographs during his rounds. 

However, those that have played with DeChambeau when the cameras weren't rolling have cast doubt over whether what we see on our television screens are 'genuine' acts. 

English tour pro Eddie Pepperell told an interesting story about the golfer after his exploits at the PGA Championship. 

So one reporter put the topic to DeChambeau in his news conference after triumphing at the US Open. 

How would he respond to those that suggest it's all an act or a schtick?

DeChambeau was clear. 

"No, that's my passion," he said.  

"I mean, Tiger was an idol of mine, is an idol of mine. He's my hero still, the way he reacted on the golf course. Payne [Stewart], the way he did. 

"Numerous others that have inspired generations that are now here have allowed that to be unique and cool.

"From my perspective, I'm just passionate. I really care about doing well out here and showing the fans a side of me that was locked up for so long."

"Made me rethink a lot of things in life"

DeChambeau's lowest point came after the 2022 Masters. 

He shot 76-80 at Augusta National after being implored by his doctors not to play in the major. 

DeChambeau said he had to wait at least eight weeks after surgery to find out if he would be able to grip the club the same way again. 

"I didn't know if I was ever going to play golf," he said. 

"I thought there was a chance I would play high, competitive golf again, not knowing how it would affect my game and my speed and everything. 

"Certainly going into surgery was probably the lowest, then waiting eight weeks, not knowing if I was going to be able to grip a club with the same effort and feel the same and all that, and then struggling with my game. 

"That whole four or five-month period was pretty rough. There were some definite low moments. Made me rethink a lot of things in life."

So when did he turn the corner? 

"Where it turned the corner was a week before Greenbrier last year," he said, referencing the LIV Golf event he won.  

"I put a driver in play and a shaft combination with LA Golf, Crank head, iron shafts I've used for a long time. That whole combination setup just flipped the switch in me. I went and shot 61, 58 on the weekend. I'm like, Okay, Bryson's here again. How do I turn this into major championship golf now?

"So right around that time frame is when things switched. I focused a lot of my energy on how to get another major title."

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