“It was riveting.” This was a common emotion that every golf fan shared, including Phil Mickelson, while watching Bryson DeChambeau’s last putt at the U.S. Open, making him a two-time major champion and leaving Rory McIlroy gutted at another major loss. It was a magnanimous day for the Dallas native, which resulted in an outpour of fans’ support and love.

This also prompted Lefty to look up to DeChambeau more and respect him. After the enthralling event, Mickelson was joined by DeChambeau at LIV Golf Nashville, and so when he sat with Fairway With Heaven, Lefty shared his two cents on his gameplay and showman skills.

Phil Mickelson talks about Bryson DeChambeau’s exciting gameplay

In the recent Fairway to Heaven episode, Jerry Foltz and Su-Ann Heng asked Phil Mickelson what he was up to during Bryson DeChambeau’s final round. Lefty, mesmerized by the 2-time U.S. Open winner’s gameplay, revealed that he was indeed watching it and shared how he felt after it.

Talking about DeChambeau’s U.S. Open win, Lefty said, “I think Bryson’s the most charismatic fun player to watch in the game today.” The 6-time major winner then applauded DeChambeau for his “different way” of tackling the game and explained why he might be a fan-favorite golfer. The 53-year-old said, “He’s exciting because he hits it so far, but he’s also exciting because he connects with the fans and he has this great energy.”

It truly showed that DeChambeau enjoyed fans’ company when he allowed the spectators at Pinehurst No. 2 to touch the shining laurel. Seeing the connection between him and the fans, Lefty admiringly expressed, “I learn a lot when I’m with him, and so watching him play and come down the stretch and seeing the way he attacked that golf course [Pinehurst No. 2] and dominated, it was really impressive.” 

These days, DeChambeau might have become the golf world’s favorite golfer; however, there was once a time when Mickelson was also admired a lot by fans because of his interactions on and off the course. But is it still the case that people adore Mickelson as much as they used to?

A recent show by Phil Mickelson explained his love-hate relationship with fans

Although Phil Mickelson and his team HyFlyers GC have been winless at the breakaway circuit and are 7th on the 2024 LIV Golf standings, Lefty has been taking the heat off in Nashville. He surely is not taking the stress and enjoying the few days at Cowboys City. In one of his such endeavors, the 53-year-old was joined by his teammates for a line dancing event.

Mickelson, with Cameron Tringale, Andy Ogletree, and Brendan Steele, was grooving to The Fireman by George Strait. Mickelson’s attempt at dancing left the golf world confused. Though a few found it awful, many appreciated his efforts. It seemed that Mickelson’s charm, which was believed to vanish after his move to LIV Golf and as the gambling allegations surfaced, was somewhat true.

People were still intrigued by the 53-year-old’s presence and very much involved too. But do the fans still love Mickelson as they support DeChambeau? That might not be the case entirely. As his age and winless streak grow, Mickelson has become a little less popular in the golf world. Although Lefty might not be as interested in entertaining people as he was in his peak days, regardless, netizens still respect Mickelson and believe him to be the legend that he is!