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If you were watching Bryson DeChambeau closely on the range on Tuesday at The Open, you might have noticed something a little odd.

No, it was nothing to do with him spraying dew on his golf balls or getting all scientific about angles of attack. Instead, he was going back in time.

The big-hitting American, who is coming to Royal Troon in search of his second consecutive major championship victory, spent plenty of time getting his game dialled in for this week’s test.

But, in typical Bryson fashion, he had time for some light hearted entertainment too. The LIV Golf star got his hands on a persimmon driver, a far cry from the gear he’ll be using this week.

• Bryson DeChambeau is co-designing a new driver

• What’s in Bryson DeChambeau’s bag?

As former European Tour player turned Sky Sports analyst John E Morgan explains in a short clip posted to LIV Golf’s social media accounts, the driver features a glass insert and is the same as the one used by Bernhard Langer in the 1985 Masters.

Of course, when DeChambeau gets his hands on it, he sets himself a target: to reach 180mph ball speed with the club.

His first attempt falls quite a way short at 148mph. Sure, that might still be a decent number for most amateurs, but for a man whose average drive tips over the 320 yard mark, it’s a long way short.

Clearly, he was just finding his range, however, as his next one jumps up to 178mph ball speed. Then, with his long drive swing, he reaches 182mph ball speed.

To put that into context, an average ball speed of 182mph would have Bryson in the top 20 in ball speed on the PGA Tour.

It’s been a busy week for DeChambeau before the final men’s major of the year has even kicked off.

He was also making headlines on Tuesday after he announced he is co-designing a driver with LA Golf.

We don’t have many details on that just yet, but we can’t imagine he’ll be taking too much inspiration from the vintage driver he was hitting here.

If you want more from us, why not head to our YouTube channel? It’s the best place to find out how the latest new golf gear performs, along with some other fun stuff.


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Lewis Fraser As bunkered’s Performance Editor, Lewis oversees the content that’s designed to make you a better player. From the latest gear to tuition, nutrition, strategy and more, he’s the man. A graduate of the University of Stirling, Lewis joined bunkered in 2021. Formerly a caddie at Castle Stuart Golf Links, he is a member of Bathgate Golf Club where he plays off four.

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