Bryson DeChambeau and Phil Mickelson were both key figures in the LIV Golf-led 2022 Saudi International, with the pair building a close relationship in recent years

Bryson DeChambeau has expressed his admiration for fellow golfer Phil Mickelson, revealing the side of him he wishes others could see.

The two golfing heavyweights, both multiple major winners, have shared a close bond for several years, with DeChambeau shining as one of USA’s stars in the 2021 Ryder Cup 19-9 victory over Team Europe under Mickelson’s mentorship. Now competing together on the Saudi-backed LIV Golf tour, their mutual respect is evident.

DeChambeau lauded Mickelson’s passion for the sport and his commitment to attracting more people to golf. “Just how much he cares about the game, how much he cares about getting people into the game,” DeChambeau told Golf.com, highlighting aspects of Mickelson he admires.

“He’s an entertainer and cares so much. I wish people could see that,” he added. Mickelson reciprocated the praise, particularly after DeChambeau’s second U.S. Open win where he triumphed over Rory McIlroy, who hasn’t won a major in ten years. “I think Bryson is the most charismatic and fun player to watch in the game today,” Mickelson said. “He comes at the game in such a different way.

“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 and I’ve always seen this in him and enjoyed being around him.”

Mickelson, who has a significant age gap from DeChambeau and outshines him with four major wins, openly expressed his admiration for the younger golf star. “I learn a lot when I’m with him,” said Mickelson, awed by how DeChambeau overpowered the course during a tense finale.

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“So watching him play and come down the stretch and seeing the way he attacked that golf course and dominated it was really impressive.” DeChambeau is taking the game of golf to the virtual realm, drawing in youthful fans via social media and YouTube. Boasting an impressive 1.4 million YouTube followers, his “Break 50” challenge featuring ex-President Donald Trump, has garnered viral status.

“I always knew there was an audience for it. Look at Dude Perfect and the success they have had,” DeChambeau articulated. “I just slapped myself on the head and said that’s what I need to do. That’s what the kids are watching these days, and that’s how you interact with them. The first one I ever did got 800,000 views, and it’s just grown from there.”