Officials at the Ryder Cup may need something stronger than metal barriers to keep fans at bay around Bryson DeChambeau.
The American golf star drew such a crowd at Bethpage Black at one point while signing autographs that Ryder Cup officials and security could be seen having to hold up the metal barrier to keep it from falling on Tuesday.
DeChambeau seemed unfazed by the scene as one Ryder Cup staff member in a powder blue sweater vest was hunched over trying to keep the gate up.
Video of the scene then panned down the line as other staffers and security officers held up the barrier further down as fans — many appearing to be kids — held signs and other memorabilia for the two-time U.S. Open champion to sign.
“Bryson, I’m going to cry, I love you!” One young-sounding fan shouted out.
DeChambeau even signed the staffer’s blue sweater vest after realizing the effort that he was putting in to keep the gate up.
DeChambeau was certainly feeling the love from the Long Island fans during Tuesday’s practice rounds.
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Video from DeChambeau’s work on the driving range showed large crowds chanting “U-S-A” and electrically cheering after he hit heavy-sounding shots off the tee.
While on one hole on the course, DeChambeau hit a ball 200 mph off the tee, which prompted a fan to scream, “Rory can’t do that, Bryson!”
The comment was alluding to the ongoing back-and-forth between Rory McIlroy and DeChambeau.
Tuesday marked the first day fans were allowed on the course at Bethpage State Park and it was less than 24 hours after golf analyst Brandel Chamblee heavily criticized DeChambeau, even labeling him a “captain’s nightmare.”
holds back the barricades from falling over NUCLR GOLF / X
American Ryder Cup captain Keegan Bradley expressed a much different viewpoint about DeChambeau.
“I think Bryson, this is a tough thing for him, to come into guys that he doesn’t see every day, full of PGA Tour players, but he’s done an exceptional job of making the extra effort,” Bradley said. “Flying to Napa, flying to Atlanta, doing things that are really difficult with the schedule that he has. He’s made every effort possible and has been incredible in the team room.”