Incheon: When he wasn't busy prepping for the first LIV Golf tournament in South Korea this week, American star Bryson DeChambeau was signing autographs and spending time with fans in the golf-crazed nation. By his own estimate, DeChambeau must have signed "upwards of a couple thousand now, for sure."

According to Yonhap News Agency, DeChambeau, often referred to as a man of the people, wouldn't have it any other way. "It's great. The Korean fans out here have been fantastic. Nothing but super sweet and nice," DeChambeau said after taking a share of the first-round lead at LIV Golf Korea with a seven-under 65 at Jack Nicklaus Golf Club Korea in Incheon, some 30 kilometers west of Seoul.

DeChambeau expressed his appreciation for the warm reception he received in South Korea, stating, "It's definitely appreciated when I come to a new place for the first time and see the amount of fans wanting an autograph, kids lighting up. That's what makes my day. It's certainly awesome, and that's why I play the game of golf."

Known for his fan-friendly demeanor, DeChambeau frequently interacts with spectators, even during high-stakes moments. For instance, during the final round of this year's Masters, he was paired with Rory McIlroy. Despite falling out of contention, DeChambeau acknowledged fans between holes, while McIlroy remained focused on the game.

DeChambeau elaborated on his philosophy, saying, "I can only speak for myself. I can't speak for Rory. What I can say about myself is that I genuinely care about the game of golf, and growing it globally and inspiring a bunch of people and kids, especially kids, to play this great game. So it's my duty, as not only a professional golfer, but a bit of an entertainer, to interact and be as authentic as I possibly can be with myself and with my fans. I think it's my responsibility to do so. I'll continue to keep doing that because that's what I believe in."