The Masters: Bryson DeChambeau’s dialled back approach pays off

Think of Bryson DeChambeau and you’ll probably think of a big-hitting, carefree golfer who plays a bomb and gauge style of play.

While he’s still one of the longest players in professional golf, the days of purely chasing distance seem to be behind the American.

And it looks to be for the best, especially if Thursday’s showing at the Masters is anything to go by. The former Augusta low-amateur carded a seven-under round of 65 to lead the Masters by a single shot over Scottie Scheffler.

That round came from a multitude of things, certainly not just a length off the tee. DeChambeau hit 15 out of 18 greens at a very windy Augusta National and he also got up and down from the sand twice.

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He also hit one of the shots of the tournament so far on the par-5 15th, where he sliced his ball around the trees, incredibly hitting the putting surface and leaving himself an easy two-putt birdie.

It’s certainly not a performance of a golfer who is purely focussed on hitting the ball as far as humanly possible.

After his round, DeChambeau was asked whether he had “pulled back” on his relentless chase for distance.

“I think I’ve gotten equipment that is performing a little differently for me, and I’m settled on that,” he said.

“I’m just saying to myself every day I get up, just swing the same way you have been for the past seven, eight months since I put it in play at Greenbrier and just go back to those feels every single day.

“I know that works. I mean, I shot 58 with it. And I know this game is ever-changing and it’s always moving. It’s a moving target. But for me, it’s going back to that day, those few days I played shooting 61, 58 on the weekend and going, ‘All right, what did I do there that was so good, and how do I keep doing it?’

“And just looking back and reflecting on that and making sure I’m feeling that same motion that I’ve settled in on.”

Dialling back on distance and trying to stick to doing the same thing? Could Bryson DeChambeau be making a big change in his outlook on golf?

It’s certainly possible, and his recent results in LIV coupled with a tremendous start at Augsta National could be the difference between Bryson going from mad scientist to serious contender in major championships once again.

So what is the all important feeling in DeChambeau’s swing that he’s using to lead the Masters? If you think it’s something terribly complicated, then you’ll need to think again.

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“The motion is really just tilt the shoulder to swing more inside out. That’s literally all it is,” he explained.

“And my putting is take it straight back, straight through. Those are the two biggest things I’ve focused on.”

It’s certainly not rocket science.

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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.

Performance Editor