Phil Mickelson Praises Bryson DeChambeau for Bringing Golf to a Younger Audience
Phil Mickelson has never shied away from making bold statements, and during his recent appearance on The Joe Pomp Show, he reinforced a belief he has held for years—golf must find ways to connect with younger audiences. In doing so, he credited Bryson DeChambeau for leading this charge.
DeChambeau’s Role in LIV Golf’s Digital Growth
LIV Golf has made significant strides in the digital space, and according to Mickelson, DeChambeau has been a driving force behind this expansion. “I think the biggest aspect of also growing that is the YouTube stuff,” Mickelson said. He emphasized that younger golf fans are increasingly engaging through digital platforms, particularly YouTube. LIV Golf has been pushing into this space, and Mickelson acknowledged that DeChambeau has been at the forefront, demonstrating its potential and effectiveness.
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DeChambeau’s journey with LIV Golf wasn’t initially well received by some loyalists of the PGA Tour. Many fans criticized his decision to switch leagues, but rather than retreating, he embraced the opportunity and worked to regain support. His efforts have paid off, as his Break 50 YouTube channel has amassed 1.71 million subscribers. More importantly, his content is no longer just about him—it has helped draw more fans to LIV Golf as a whole.
The Importance of Engaging Younger Fans
LIV golfer David Puig also recognized DeChambeau’s impact, stating, “I think Bryson is doing a good job too with, you know.” Between his YouTube presence, direct engagement with fans, and innovative sponsorship deals, DeChambeau is bringing a fresh, dynamic energy to golf. The PGA Tour has struggled to connect with younger audiences in the same way, which Mickelson sees as a pressing issue that needs to be addressed.
The Aging Fan Base of the PGA Tour
Mickelson highlighted a critical challenge facing the PGA Tour: its audience is aging rapidly. He noted, “On the PGA Tour, our fan base was getting older and continues to get older.” In fact, the average age of a PGA Tour fan is about 65, making it the oldest fan base among major sports.
In contrast, LIV Golf has successfully attracted a much younger audience. “LIV’s audience is about half that age,” Mickelson pointed out. A significant factor behind this shift is LIV’s willingness to embrace new media and modern engagement strategies. Beyond digital content, LIV has also introduced a team-based format with strong geographic identities, such as Ripper GC in Australia and Torque GC in South America. This approach has helped cultivate dedicated fan bases around specific teams.
LIV’s Media Expansion and Future Growth
LIV Golf has also secured a multi-year media rights deal with Fox Sports for the 2025 season. The deal ensures that LIV’s 14-event schedule—featuring tournaments in locations ranging from Riyadh to Chicago—will be broadcast across Fox, FS1, and various streaming platforms. This widespread media exposure is expected to further expand LIV’s reach and appeal to new fans.
The Need for Golf to Evolve
The message is clear: for golf to remain relevant in the long run, it must evolve. The PGA Tour has struggled to attract younger viewers, while LIV Golf is actively taking steps to avoid the same fate. With DeChambeau leading LIV’s digital expansion, the league may be onto something that can reshape the sport’s future.
The key question remains—can DeChambeau be the driving force that modernizes golf and keeps it thriving for future generations?