They say you only get one opportunity to make a first impression. But Bryson DeChambeau has proved the old phrase wrong and successfully overhauled his reputation in the public eye. Once seen as brash and abrasive, the Scientist, as some call him, left the PGA Tour and joined the breakaway golf league LIV Golf and regained autonomy over his public image. Now he is seen as relatable and innovative. What sealed the deal for him was his tremendous major run this year which includes winning the 2024 US Open. But fans are fickle and will turn on a celebrity on a dime, and DeChambeau is well aware of this.

In a recent post-round interview at LIV Golf Chicago, DeChambeau was asked how much he would like LIV Golf to come back to Illinois, and he answered, “Illinois has always been great golfing community, and this golf course played close to a major championship test.” And added a nervous laugh. The comment has sparked fans who took issue with the opinion. The golf world holds major tournaments and their venues very highly, after all, there is a lot of history there.

Bolingbrook is a small municipality in Illinois with a population of around 75,000 and was chosen as a venue mostly because it was a well-maintained course in the Chicago area after the breakup with past Chicago hosts Rich Harvest Farms. But it has never hosted an event anywhere close to this big.

What it does offer is good facilities with a huge clubhouse, a large area for practice grounds, and a big acreage. This was perfect for hosting a large event. However, fans still dumped on DeChambeau’s comments.

Fans balk at DeChambeau’s ‘major championship test’ praise

“HAHA! Close to a major.” One commenter wrote, dismissing the opinion of the golfer who has won the US Open this year. Championship courses come in different varieties according to their geographic location. The Links golf course is tough because of deep valleys and gorges as well as high winds and untamed vegetation. Some courses are designed meticulously to make it hard for a golfer to get on the green easily, with curves, hazards, or hills blocking their view. Bolingbrook is a rolling hills-type course with large fairways, which are unusual for a championship test. Another commenter wrote, “This is sarcasm? Right?” noting the large open fields that were seen in Bolingbrook, which made it easy for the pros.

Others made it clear that they thought LIV Golf doesn’t offer the competition that rivals the PGA Tour and minimized DeChambeau’s comments because he had chosen to play in the competition. “They have said that about every LIV course all season.” “It’s major conditions” “It feels like a U.S. Open” “The fairways are up there with Augusta” like stfu.” One commenter said she was tired of the constant marketing by LIV Golf players. Another wrote, “So…like a PGA Tour event?”, hinting that PGA Tour and its event are superior to that of LIV.

There were some detractors as well who praised the course. One commenter wrote, “Very true. Course was fantastic.” It is unclear if he is a member or just a fan who visited the course or just saw the event on a stream. However, Bolingbrook is up to championship standards and is a good option for people living in the area as it offers lesser green fees and has a good practice range and area.

For Bolingbrook, though, this was a good tournament that enhanced its economy and brought people to the little municipality 30 miles south of the O’Hare International Airport. Its managing committee as well as locals are said to be happy that their relatively unknown course is getting such attention.