
Bryson DeChambeau’s popularity has skyrocketed since he made the switch to LIV Golf in 2022.
Early in his career, DeChambeau wasn’t exactly a fan favourite. But now, he’s one of the most popular names in golf, especially among younger fans who follow him on social media.
LIV gave DeChambeau the space to really be himself. The league’s slogan, “Golf, but louder,” fits him perfectly. He’s not just one of the biggest hitters out there; he’s also never shy about sharing his opinions.
LIV’s strategy has always been to build around big personalities. Names like Jon Rahm and Phil Mickelson help give the tour credibility and draw attention as it tries to gain ground on the PGA Tour.
It would make sense for LIV Golf to put serious effort into bringing in a current PGA Tour player who shows signs of being able to fill a similar role as DeChambeau.
Min Woo Lee has quickly become one of the most popular players on Tour, and like DeChambeau, much of that has been driven by his online presence. His TikTok following is massive, and he’s built a strong connection with younger fans.
His catchphrase, “let him cook”, is shouted on nearly every tee box on the PGA Tour. Lee even wore a chef’s hat after winning the 2023 Australian PGA Championship to lean into the phrase.
And his internet following made him an immensely popular winner of the 2025 Houston Open this season, Lee’s first PGA Tour win.
LIV Golf Adelaide was the best-attended event of the 2025 season, with 102,000 fans attending over three days. Imagine if those Australian fans had a home favourite to get behind.
The timing couldn’t be better for LIV to make their move. With Scottie Scheffler at world number one and Cameron Smith already playing in their league, signing Min Woo Lee would give them another big name tied to Australia – one with plenty of crossover appeal outside traditional golf circles.
Min Woo Lee, like many others on the PGA Tour, has had to field questions about a potential move to LIV Golf.
During a 2024 appearance on The Loop podcast, he made his intentions clear, stating that he wasn’t interested in making the switch. He said: “My goal was to play in America. I just tried to do my best and try to get my card. And now I really didn’t want to go anywhere else.
“Going up to the American tour on the PGA Tour. I was really excited about that. I’m really excited again to play on the American Tour and play against the best in the world.
“There’s a lot of names that left and which sucks, I guess for golf, but that’s why I’m trying to step in and make it fun for kids and other guys starting golf.”
A year ago, Lee was focused solely on playing in America. But now, with his first PGA Tour win under his belt, he might be more open to playing globally, especially back home in Australia.
Plenty of players have changed their stance before. Jon Rahm was openly against LIV Golf not long before he made the move himself.
So while it’s not certain that Lee will leave the PGA Tour anytime soon, it wouldn’t be surprising if his plans start changing heading into 2026.
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