Bryson DeChambeau has responded after being ranked the second most hated golfer of 2026, breaking his silence following a fan survey that has sparked widespread debate across the golf world.
The LIV Golf star finished behind only Patrick Reed on the list, with Rory McIlroy rounding out the top three. The rankings quickly became one of the biggest talking points in golf, prompting strong reactions from fans on both sides of the debate.
DeChambeau, who has spent much of his career dividing opinion with his unconventional approach, powerful style of play, and high-profile controversies, acknowledged the ranking while making it clear that public opinion will not change the way he approaches the game.
“I know not everyone is going to like me,” DeChambeau reportedly said. “My job is to compete, entertain the fans, and continue improving every time I step on the golf course. That’s where my focus is.”
The ranking follows another eventful season for the two-time U.S. Open champion. DeChambeau was at the center of one of the year’s biggest controversies during The Open Championship at Royal Birkdale after receiving a two-shot penalty for inadvertently improving the area of his intended swing. The incident dominated headlines and reignited debate over his playing style and interactions with tournament officials.
Despite the criticism, DeChambeau remains one of golf’s biggest attractions. His aggressive style, massive driving distance, and willingness to engage with fans have helped him build one of the sport’s largest followings, even as he continues to split opinion among golf supporters.
The survey, published by Rotowire and later discussed by Golf Digest, ranked Patrick Reed as the most disliked golfer of 2026, with DeChambeau second and Rory McIlroy third. Other notable names on the list included Wyndham Clark, Phil Mickelson, Patrick Cantlay, Matt Kuchar, Sergio Garcia, Billy Horschel, and Tyrrell Hatton.
Many fans defended DeChambeau on social media, arguing that his popularity and willingness to do things differently have made him an easy target for criticism. Others pointed to the attention he consistently generates as evidence that he remains one of the most influential figures in modern golf.
For DeChambeau, however, the ranking appears unlikely to change his mindset.
“I’ll keep working, keep competing, and keep trying to win,” he added. “That’s what matters most to me.”
Whether admired or criticized, DeChambeau continues to be one of golf’s biggest headline-makers, and his second-place ranking on the list only reinforces his status as one of the sport’s most polarizing personalities.
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