Read more: Donald Trump continues to mock Joe Biden's golf game in video with Bryson DeChambeau
When I saw Bryson DeChambeau announced he was posting a new "Can I Break 50?" video with a very special guest, I fell out of my chair! While us golf gossip writers get accustomed to Bryson serving up spicy content on the regular, I did NOT see teaming up with Former President Donald Trump coming.
Posted just a day ago, the 56-minute video titled "Can I Break 50 with President Donald Trump?" has already amassed more than 6 million views on DeChambeau's channel.
This dynamic duo delivering a scintillating 50 shots over 18 at Bedminster was pure gold. From Trump flexing on the range to their electric eagle fest on the back 9, I was glued to my screen like it was The Masters.
Bryson DeChambeau (l.) and Donald Trump (r.) during their round at Bedminster in DeChambeau’s “Break 50” YouTube video.
YouTube/Bryson DeChambeau
That viewership total eclipses anything DeChambeau has previously released on his channel by a wide margin. His match against Phil Mickelson from 11 months ago, which had stood as his most popular, attracted just over 3 million views to date.
The Trump video also significantly outrated the television coverage of the final round of last weekend's Open Championship. While NBC and Peacock drew a combined 3.39 million viewers for the conclusion of the year's last major, the Trump/DeChambeau video had 73% more views within its first 24 hours of release.
Right off the bat, I knew we were in for a treat as Trump greeted Bryson with a classic "Come on, let’s see him rip it. Longest hitter by far — by far. I know ’em all." And smash he did - Bryson was launching rockets as far as the eye can see. But what shocked me most was how solid Trump's game looked! The guy still has serious pop in his 78-year-old arms and his short game was surprisingly slick. Okay, his putting stroke was a little "unorthodox" but hey, it went in!
Experts point to several key factors that helped drive the viral success of the video:
- High-profile guest: Having former President Trump as his playing partner gave the video big name recognition and built-in intrigue. DeChambeau had tried to get either Trump or President Biden involved.
- Comfortable relationship: DeChambeau and Trump have an existing friendly relationship dating back years, making for natural chemistry on screen.
- Home turf advantage: Filming at Trump's Bedminster club in New Jersey positioned the event perfectly in a familiar place Trump loves to promote.
- Engaging formats: DeChambeau's "Break 50" challenge of trying to break par from shortened tee boxes keeps viewers invested in the outcome.
- Big personalities: Both DeChambeau and Trump know how to entertain and play to the camera, boosting watchability and replay value.
The video also gave golf fans a rare opportunity to see Trump play an entire competitive round. While long believed to be a skilled player, it had been debated just how good Trump's game truly is at age 78.
As they cruised around the course, Bryson and Trump kept the banter lively. From Bryson geeking out over colonial history to Trump sharing his love for Frank Sinatra, Patrick Reed and maple trees, I felt like a fly on the cart! But what I found most fascinating was learning Trump's unique perspective on why he loves the game so much. Taking your mind off everything - now that's a motto I can get behind.
Donald Trump celebrates his putt on the 18th hole with Bryson DeChambeau.
YouTube/Bryson DeChambeau
The fireworks really started flying down the stretch. After swapping eagles on 12, they were racking up birdies like it was their job. And on 18, when Trump drained a clutch putt to seal the epic 50, even cool, calm and collected Bryson hit the dirt in disbelief. Amazing scenes all around.
Over 18 holes at Bedminster, viewers could judge for themselves shots like Trump's reliable fade off the tee and still impressive pop with shorter irons. His unorthodox putting was also on full display.
In the end, Trump and DeChambeau narrowly missed their target score of 49 or under, signing for an even 50. But their chemistry and the behind-the-scenes access provided for a massively entertaining piece of golf content that clearly resonated with the YouTube audience. It will be interesting to see if DeChambeau can top this viewership success whenever his next "Break 50" video is released.
Drop your dream partner suggestions below - I'm sure he's taking notes! In the meantime, you can find me re-watching this legendary Trump/Bryson sesh on repeat. What a round for the ages!
What were the key highlights from their round
- The 55-minute "Breaking 50" video episode featuring DeChambeau and Trump garnered over 3 million views in just 12 hours, making it the #1 trending YouTube video in the U.S.
- The round served as a fundraiser for the Wounded Warrior Project, a nonprofit supporting veterans. The video had already raised over $10,000 from online supporters at the time of publication.
- Trump impressed DeChambeau and viewers with his consistent driving and shots like birdies and eagles. His performance kept him competitive in the two-man scramble format.
- The round was filmed in early July, before DeChambeau's travel to the British Open and the attempted assassination of Trump in Pennsylvania.
- DeChambeau's YouTube channel reached 1 million subscribers immediately after he posted the video with Trump, which was a significant milestone.
- The video's success showed DeChambeau's burgeoning social media influence, as his follower count increased by roughly 150,000 since Trump's presence.
What were some of the notable shots made by Trump during the round
- Birdies and Eagles: Trump's golf abilities were remarkable, as he made multiple birdies and at least one eagle during the round. DeChambeau commended his steady performance off the tee, which demonstrated his ability to compete in the scramble format.
- Strong Tee Shots: Observers remarked that Trump performed a "perfect" baby fade with his driver. His ability to compensate for limited hip movement with a full body turn was emphasized, suggesting a strong grasp of his swing mechanics.
- Par-Three Shot: Following a successful shot on the par-three second hole, Trump joked to DeChambeau, "You think Biden can do that?" This moment not only emphasized his confidence but also offered a hilarious twist to the round.