When Phil Mickelson hailed Bryson DeChambeau as the 'most charismatic player to watch': "I learn a lot when I’m with him"

Bryson DeChambeau has earned plenty of praise for his unique approach to the game, including from six-time major champion Phil Mickelson. In a 2024 interview with LIV Golf, Mickelson spoke highly of DeChambeau following his second US Open victory.

Mickelson said (10:45 onwards):

"I think Bryson’s the most charismatic, fun player to watch in the game today."

"He comes at the game in such a different way. He’s exciting ’cause he hits it so far, but he’s also exciting because he connects with the fans and he has this great energy," he added.

Mickelson, who missed the cut at the 2024 US Open, continued:

"I’ve always seen this in him and enjoyed being around him. 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 and dominated it was really impressive."

DeChambeau, known for his scientific approach and power-focused game, has been one of the standout performers on both the PGA Tour and LIV Golf circuit. He won his first US Open in 2020 at Winged Foot and added another in 2024. Currently, he sits second in the LIV Golf individual standings.

Beyond the course, DeChambeau has built a massive online following, with 3 million Instagram followers and 2.03 million subscribers on his YouTube channel, Break 50. His most-viewed video, featuring former U.S. President Donald Trump, has surpassed 15 million views, showing the kind of fan support Mickelson referred to.

Meanwhile, the 2025 US Open will be held from June 12 to 15 at Oakmont Country Club in Pennsylvania. DeChambeau is already in the field as a past US Open champion, and Mickelson is exempt as a PGA Championship winner in the last five years, having lifted the trophy in 2021.

Phil Mickelson said the 2025 US Open could be the last time he tees up at the event

Phil Mickelson is preparing to compete in next week’s US Open at Oakmont Country Club, marking the final year of his exemption from his historic 2021 PGA Championship win. That victory made him the oldest major champion at 50, earning him a five-year exemption into the US Open.

While speaking ahead of LIV Golf Virginia, Mickelson was asked whether this could be his final appearance at the major. He replied:

“I haven't thought about it too much. There's a high likelihood that it will be, but I haven't really thought about it too much.”

To qualify in future editions, Phil Mickelson would need to explore other ways. When asked if he’d consider entering 36-hole final qualifying to earn a spot, he replied:

“I don't know. I haven't thought that far."

Phil Mickelson has finished runner-up a record six times at the US Open. His first second-place finish came in 1999 at Pinehurst behind Payne Stewart, followed by close calls in 2002, 2004, 2006, 2009, and 2013.

Phil Mickelson also touched on his future in professional golf but kept things open-ended. When asked about his competitive plans over the next five years, the 54-year-old didn’t lay out any long-term goals. Instead, he credited his LIV Golf team, the HyFlyers, which includes Brendan Steele, Cameron Tringale, and Andy Ogletree, for keeping him motivated.

He acknowledged that being part of a team setup has given him fresh energy, especially as he approaches his mid-50s. While he’s unsure how long he’ll continue competing, Mickelson emphasized he wants to contribute meaningfully and not just occupy a spot on the roster, saying:

“If I'm not an asset, if I'm not helping, if I'm holding it back, then it's time for me to move on and get somebody else in here who is going to really help the team win and succeed.”

Phil Mickelson currently sits 15th in the individual standings on the LIV Golf circuit.