Scott Van Pelt: Not ‘realistic’ for Bryson DeChambeau to stick with YouTube over PGA

TL;DR

Scott Van Pelt believes it's unrealistic for Bryson DeChambeau to focus on YouTube and still perform well in PGA events. DeChambeau's future in golf is uncertain as he struggles with his performance and contract status.

Key points

Scott Van Pelt questions Bryson DeChambeau's YouTube focus
DeChambeau's contract with LIV Golf expires later this year
He struggled at the PGA Championship and Masters

Mentioned in this story

Scott Van PeltBryson DeChambeauLIV Golf

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Bryson DeChambeau Scott Van Pelt PGA Championship

Credit: James Lang - Imagn Images; New Heights Podcast

Bryson DeChambeau’s future in golf remains unclear as LIV crumbles around him and the PGA attempts to woo him back when his contract reportedly expires later this year.

And as DeChambeau finished 10-over after Friday’s round at Aronimink Golf Club in this week’s PGA Championship, following a Masters tournament in which he also failed to make the weekend cut, ESPN’s Scott Van Pelt threw cold water on the theory that DeChambeau can continue to succeed at the highest levels while playing the majority of his golf for YouTube content.

“The suggestion that he could go be a YouTube player and then just show up and play in the majors, that’s just not a realistic thought. You have to be competitively sharp to come out here and play the hardest courses in the world against the best players in the world,” Van Pelt explained in an appearance on The Dan Patrick Show before Friday’s round.

“We saw the height of his popularity when he won at Pinehurst … that to me was sort of his peak moment of power. And you can do that, you can be an influencer, be a YouTube player, and I’m sure you could monetize that and make a pile. But ultimately, you make your bones in this game and your legend in this game being a major-championship player.”

Previously, DeChambeau said it would be “incredibly viable” for him to skip the smaller PGA tournaments, playing golf for YouTube in the downtime between the four major tournaments. The PGA recently updated its social media policy, allowing players to film more content at tournament sites but mandating that YouTube ad revenue still be redirected to the tour, a move widely seen as an attempt to appease players like DeChambeau, who have developed major followings online.

Some of the videos DeChambeau posts to his 2.7 million YouTube subscribers are focused play-throughs on top courses, but many are gimmicks or laid-back rounds designed around interviews.

Van Pelt believes that for DeChambeau to be competitive and truly write his legacy in golf, the two-time major winner must return to the rigors of the PGA Tour.

Q&A

Why does Scott Van Pelt think Bryson DeChambeau can't succeed on YouTube?

Scott Van Pelt argues that DeChambeau needs to maintain competitive sharpness to perform well in major tournaments, which is difficult if he primarily plays for YouTube content.

What is the current status of Bryson DeChambeau's contract with LIV Golf?

Bryson DeChambeau's contract with LIV Golf reportedly expires later this year, leaving his future in professional golf uncertain.

How did Bryson DeChambeau perform in recent PGA events?

DeChambeau finished 10-over at the PGA Championship and failed to make the cut at the Masters, indicating struggles in his game.