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Dear Bryson,
While dialed into the glorious women’s golf competition at the Olympic Games, I noticed that you chose not to speak to certain members of the media at the WGC-FedEx St. Jude Invitational. Just like you did at the Rocket Mortgage event, where you were the defending champion.
I am not sure if this was your idea or if someone is whispering advice in your ear. Either way, the optics are not good. In fact, they are really, really bad.
I get it. Media responsibilities can be like going to the dentist. Your feelings about it seem to range from indifference to dread. As with most players, it’s never fun unless you’re holding a trophy after a victory. But it is a responsibility. Here is a little history. Not only did Jack Nicklaus cooperate with the media at every turn, patiently answering all questions no matter how silly and inane, he got in the habit of closing every scrum or press conference with a question of his own: “Do you have what you need?” It was a nod to people doing a job, one Jack didn’t always understand but never failed to appreciate.
After considering how the greats of the game conducted themselves, if you still want to avoid some reporters then many in the golf media will be OK with that.
Arnold Palmer was even better. He always joked and made eye contact, often putting his arm around a reporter like an old friend. Whenever a member of the media would run off on a verbal spasm, getting nervous or lost in a rambling question, Arnie would jump in with a quick, “I know what you’re saying,” or maybe a one-liner – a lifeboat for a drowning pal. He instinctively knew that cooperating with the media was a win-win opportunity.
Tiger Woods never made friends with reporters. In private, he expressed annoyance or even contempt. But he always stood up and answered the questions. Even when he lost. Even when he clearly wanted to walk away, he walked to the scrum and did his job. Given how he was treated when things went sideways, it’s a trait to be commended.
After considering how the greats of the game conducted themselves, if you still want to avoid some reporters then many in the golf media will be OK with that. Because in today’s pro game, there are others who they want to hear from, who golf fans want to know about, and who want to have a mutually beneficial, professional relationship with the press.
Writers and broadcasters can’t get enough from Rory McIlroy, who has emerged as the conscience of the men’s professional game. He is one of the game’s most thoughtful superstars.
There always will be time for Jordan Spieth, who has plenty of time for the media. He is open, engaging and somewhat amusing when he comes to talk.
Paul Casey is never shy with his opinions. He is a pleasure to engage with. So is Justin Thomas. Jon Rahm has surprised and enlightened everyone with his candor and insight. Some even look forward to sparring with Brooks Koepka.
And let us not forget Phil Mickelson. He studied Palmer, and for most if not all of his career he has been a marvelous interview. Some of his comments are outlandish, but that is just Phil being Phil. Reporters love it. So does he.
Reigning Open champion Collin Morikawa has emerged as perhaps the best representative of your generation. He is growing nicely into the role of spokesman. There wasn't much known about him before last year’s PGA Championship. It's a pleasure learning about his life and his thoughts on the game.
These guys get it. They understand their responsibilities. They know that the companies and brands that pay them are counting on them to do the right thing – to represent their brands with class and distinction. They understand the media has a role in that dance. Like it or not, reporters are an important part of the game’s ecosystem.
Bryson, you can give kids a million golf balls. You can sign every autograph. You can smile and wave to the television camera all you want. But if you disrespect the working media who are the conduit to the vast majority of golf fans, they are likely to treat you the same in return.
If you blow off reporters, they will be fine. There are plenty of other players more than willing to talk. But keep it up, and in the end you will become an afterthought.
Fairways and greens.
Top: Bryson DeChambeau
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