Bryson DeChambeau’s Tragic Olympics Fate Triggers Massive Debate in Golf World: ‘Flat Out Joke’

The Paris Olympics fever is still on among golf enthusiasts. Team USA is projected to receive the full four spots available to a country. So far, Americans at the top of the OWGR list, such as Scottie Scheffler, Xander Schauffele, Wyndham Clark, and most likely Collin Morikawa, will be securing their spots. But fans are not happy about how a major golf star has been sidelined.

A tweet was shared on an X handle; it talked about the frustration and disappointment felt by many golf fans upon Bryson DeChambeau’s exclusion from the US Olympic squad. The user termed it a “flat-out joke”. Also due to the consequences of him taking the road to LIV Golf and his OWGR rank #38.

The debate picked up fire later when NBC commentators Dan Hicks, Mike Tirico, and Brandel Chamblee were having a conversation about the 2020 U.S. Open winner’s performance. As the Scientist moved towards the final round of the ongoing 2024 U.S. Open with a three-shot lead and sitting on top of the leaderboard

“He had a high finish at the Masters and then another good one at the PGA Championship. Brooks Koepka has won a major but as of late, this has been DeChambeau’s show,” stated Hicks on DeChambeau’s performance at the two majors, as he clinched a T6 at Augusta and secured an impressive runner-up position at Valhalla.

Following this, Mike Tirico then brought up the Olympics, “Because here’s a guy who’s finished three times in the majors — unless he has a disaster tomorrow – in the top 10. He should be representing the U.S.” Chamblee, who has been a critic of LIV Golf throughout its existence, said replying to Tirico’s remarks, “That’s unfortunate for sure, Mike, I would agree that it is unfortunate. But all of the players that went to LIV, they well knew, they well knew that they were going to a tour that did not qualify for World Ranking points.” He reckoned the decisions of the PGA Tour players to join the breakaway league, as they knew that they would not get any points for their 54-hole show. 

LIV Golf not getting any OWGR points is not for the lack of trying. The Saudi league did apply to get recognition in OWGR but failed. As a result, Greg Norman withdrew the application, and this has been a point of concern for all LIV golfers. Earlier it sabotaged their entry into the majors, but now, even the chance to represent their country at the Olympics is on the line.

Several high-profile LIV golf players, including Brooks Koepka, Patrick Reed, and even Dustin Johnson, could not secure a coveted place on the Olympic list. But fans were more vocal, particularly for Bryson Dechambeau.

How did golf enthusiasts react to Bryson DeChambeau being left out of the Paris Olympics squad?

One fan highlighted the absurdity of leaving out such a high-caliber player, stating, “Could you imagine leaving arguably the hottest golfer (other than Scheffler) off the US Olympic team. @b_dechambeau. If they leave him off the Ryder Cup and Olympics a lot of people should be fired.” Reflecting on the sentiment that DeChambeau’s current form and popularity should make him an automatic choice for the prestigious Olympics, regardless of his association with LIV Golf.

Another fan pointed out the commercial aspect of the decision, and stated, “NBC owns the Olympics and they want all the viewers to watch. Who else is more fan favorite right now than Bryson…” NBC will broadcast the Summer Olympics, and DeChambeau is presently on the popularity rise like never before. His candid YouTube channel could be one of the prime reasons fans want to see more of him, and this could in turn benefit NBC’s broadcast as well.

A third fan took a more critical stance towards the selection process, saying, “I’ve mentioned this when the Liv & PGA saga began. You choose the best for the Olympics team. It’s not about the politics or the money. Someone urgently needs to ask the Olympic committee on how they chose their team? Here you will learn a lot.” Suggesting that the current criteria, which excludes LIV golfers from accumulating OWGR points, is flawed since for the Olympics, fans wish to see just the best golfers competing, irrespective of the Tour they play on. One could associate this emotion with the Ryder Cup too, as there as well fans wish to see the best of the best. 

Balancing both sides of the argument, another enthusiast remarked, “Both are right imo. It is very unfortunate that Bryson, the electric showman who has gone deep at every major in 2024, will not sniff the Olympics. On the other hand, every LIV golfer understood the ramifications of joining LIV. Wish there was some additional way to qualify though.” This perspective acknowledged the unfortunate reality for DeChambeau, but at the same time, hoped for a different way in which the deserving LIV stars could qualify, just like they can qualify in majors by playing on different Tours, and qualifiers. Joaquin Niemann, the Chilean golfer has already qualified to represent his country in Paris. 

Bryson DeChambeau not competing in the Olympics sparked a wave of frustration and anger among golf fans. This decision has left many questioning the selection criteria and voicing their displeasure on social media. What are your thoughts on the fans’ verdict? Share in the comments section below.