Bryson DeChambeau opens up on cheating allegations: 'Everybody was up in arms'

Bryson DeChambeau has revealed he was accused of cheating during his very first golf tournament at just nine years old, with the two-time US Open champion explaining how the experience helped shape his mentality and approach to life.

The LIV Golf star opened up about his childhood, his late father and the emotional challenges behind his success during an appearance on Raj Shamani's Figuring Out podcast (scroll down to watch). 

While DeChambeau is now one of the biggest names in professional golf, his journey to the top was not always straightforward.

In fact, the 33-year-old American recalled how his first taste of competitive golf ended with cheating accusations from an entire community after he managed to beat one of the area's most highly regarded junior players.

Bryson DeChambeau reveals childhood cheating accusations

DeChambeau explained that he entered his first golf competition at the age of nine, playing nine holes from the forward tees.

He produced an impressive score and found himself tied with RJ Mott, whom he described as the best junior golfer in the local area.

The pair subsequently went into a playoff, where DeChambeau secured victory on the first hole.

Rather than receiving congratulations, however, the youngster claimed he was met with accusations of cheating.

"When I was nine years old, I remember playing in my first golf event. I went out, played from the front tees, played nine holes and shot a really good score," DeChambeau told Shamani. 

"Then there's this kid, RJ Mott, he was the best junior golfer in that area and I came in and tied him. They thought I cheated, the entire community was like, 'No way. He cheated.'

"But because I tied, we had to go into a playoff. So, we went into a playoff and I beat him on the first hole, and everybody was up in arms. They're like, 'Bryson cheated. There's no way this kid playing in his first tournament won his first tournament. No way.'"

Scroll down to the bottom of the page to watch DeChambeau's comments in full...

DeChambeau admitted that experience left a lasting impression, particularly because he was so young and believed he had done everything fairly.

He also suggested it was one of the earliest moments he recognised that success would not always be met with positivity.

"For the first time in my head, that was when I knew that I had a different mindset. It wasn't the fact that I didn't care about what they thought and I just went and won.

"It was that why are they thinking so negatively about me even though I did everything right and I won the tournament fair and square?"

The American believes the incident helped him understand that doing something differently or achieving something special could attract criticism, even when there was no wrongdoing.

He added that the experience helped fuel his determination to prove himself, while also making him more introspective about how people react to success.

DeChambeau opens up on father's death and complicated relationship

Away from golf, DeChambeau also discussed one of the most difficult periods of his life following the death of his father, Jon DeChambeau, on November 4, 2022, aged 63.

His father had battled serious health complications, including diabetes and kidney problems, for several years.

The relationship between the pair was not always straightforward, but DeChambeau revealed that he was able to make peace with his father before his passing.

Reflecting on their relationship, the LIV Golf superstar acknowledged that there had been difficulties but insisted they loved each other deeply.

His experience also left him with a powerful message for anyone holding on to resentment towards someone close to them.

"To anybody holding grudges, just forgive them. Who cares? You have one life."

It was a particularly personal moment in an interview that offered a rare glimpse into the experiences behind DeChambeau's competitive personality.

2024 US Open victory left DeChambeau questioning what came next

DeChambeau also reflected on his memorable 2024 US Open victory at Pinehurst No. 2, which came during Father's Day week.

The American produced one of the most memorable moments of his career when he rolled in the winning putt on the 18th hole, denying Rory McIlroy and securing his second US Open title.

He revealed that he approached the crucial four-foot par putt by trying to replicate the feeling of practising on the putting green.

"It's just like on the practice green. You've done this a thousand times," he remembered telling himself.

The victory carried additional emotional significance because of his late father, with DeChambeau feeling that he was watching over him.

However, what happened afterwards was perhaps even more revealing.

After celebrating his achievement, DeChambeau went to bed with the US Open trophy beside him, only to wake up five or six hours later and question what came next.

"I won the US Open," he recalled thinking, before quickly asking himself: "What do I do next?"

DeChambeau claimed he suddenly found himself questioning whether winning major championships was everything he wanted from life.

He also acknowledged feeling alone, without his family around him to share the moment.

The experience ultimately changed his perspective on professional golf at large. 

"That moment ultimately made me realise that there's more to golf than winning tournaments. It's about how you affect people."

DeChambeau explained that he now wants to build a legacy beyond trophies, pointing towards the likes of Arnold Palmer as an example of someone who left a lasting impact on the sport.

DeChambeau also provides major update on LIV Golf's future

Away from the more personal subjects, DeChambeau also addressed LIV Golf's uncertain future following the league's bankruptcy filing and the withdrawal of Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF) backing beyond 2026.

The Crushers GC captain insisted he remains committed to the proposed LIV 2.0 era, which is expected to launch in 2027 with backing from BC Partners Credit.

A proposed restructuring arrangement includes up to $300 million in financing, with players expected to receive a collective 52.5 per cent stake in the restructured organisation.

DeChambeau admitted the original business model had not been managed effectively but believes the team-based concept still has considerable potential.

He also revealed that Crushers GC generated almost $29 million in revenue last year, with approximately $21 million in costs, leaving around $8 million in EBITDA.

Discussing the new direction, DeChambeau insisted: "It's going to be done right, and this is going to be a league, hopefully, that exists forever."

He also stressed that LIV Golf should complement the wider golf industry rather than attempt to compete directly with established tours.

Whether the proposed new era can deliver on those promises remains to be seen, particularly following the departures of several high-profile players.

But DeChambeau appears determined to remain part of the project while continuing to build a legacy that extends well beyond his achievements on the golf course.

Watch DeChambeau's full appearance on Raj Shamani's Figuring Out podcast below.

Do you reckon LIV 2.0 will prove a hit and last forever? Or will the new era struggle to build any momentum given the loss of star names? Share your thoughts and comments below, or head over to GolfMagic's social media channels - @GolfMagic