Bryson DeChambeau calls himself a ‘dead man walking’ after LIV Golf fans react in Nashville

Bryson DeChambeau calls himself a ‘dead man walking’ after LIV Golf fans react in NashvilleU.S. Open champion Bryson DeChambeau was overwhelmed with the ovation he received at LIV Golf Nashville on Friday but admitted he wasn’t in the greatest condition to fully soak up the support.DeChambeau won the U.S. Open last Sunday after edging Rory McIlroy to the title by a single stroke, as the Northern Irishman missed a three-yard putt to forfeit the joint lead. The agonizing moment for McIlroy led to wild celebrations from DeChambeau and his team once victory was confirmed, and those clearly continued into the week.A sell-out Nashville crowd made sure DeChambeau felt the love and helped him finish the first round four-under-par as he shot 67.

DeChambeau was emotional when being asked about the crowd after his recent major win, and said: “I’m a zombie right now, I’m a dead man walking I feel like.

Bryson DeChambeau’s gesture shows why LIV Golf star is so popular with fansREAD MORE: Jon Rahm’s true LIV Golf feelings clear by reply to Bryson DeChambeau question”It’s quite an honor to be out here and have so much support it’s fantastic. This is what LIV is all about, what we’ve tried to do for a long time and continuing to gain momentum.

I’m just proud to be a part of it.”In the inaugural Nashville competition, DeChambeau is keeping pace with the leaders as he looks to add to his recent success. The U.S. Open winner is tied for fourth place and is behind leader Abraham Ancer who is currently seven-under.Tyrrell Hatton is second at 6-under and John Catlin is third at 5-under. DeChambeau was one stroke behind the lead through 15 holes but shot par to see out the first round while his rivals

improved.DeChambeau has been a huge advocate for LIV since joining the Saudi-backed tour and brutally denied loyal PGA Tour member McIlroy,

who has been chasing a major win for 10 years, at Pinehurst No 2. McIlroy was devastated when finishing second especially as his error cost him a play-off opportunity,

and released a statement the following day to discuss his feelings.”Yesterday was a tough day, probably the toughest I’ve had in my nearly 17 years as a professional golfer,” McIlroy wrote. “Firstly, I’d like to congratulate Bryson.

He is a worthy champion and exactly what professional golf needs right now. I think we can all agree on that.”As I reflect on my week, I’ll rue a few things over the course of the tournament,

mostly the two missed putts on 16 and 18 on the final day. But, as I always try to do, I’ll look at the positives of the week that far outweigh the negatives.”As I said at the start of the tournament,

I feel closer to winning my next major championship than I ever have. The one word that I would describe my career as is resilient. I’ve shown my resilience over and over again in the last 17 years and I will again.

“I’m going to take a few weeks away from the game to process everything and build myself back up for my defense of the Genesis Scottish Open and The Open at Royal Troon. See you in Scotland.”