PINEHURST, N.C. – It’s no secret that Bryson DeChambeau bombs the golf ball.
Only a few years in the past, DeChambeau bludgeoned Winged Foot into submission in path to the 2020 U.S. Open, the 30-year-old’s first and nonetheless solely main title. However coming off main finishes of T-6 (Masters) and runner-up (PGA), DeChambeau is on a brief record of these most certainly to problem world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler at Pinehurst No. 2.
He’ll simply need to do issues a little bit otherwise.
“They’re utterly totally different golf programs,” DeChambeau mentioned of Winged Foot and Donald Ross’ traditional Sandhills gem. “I’d say that for essentially the most half, you must focus in your wedge recreation across the greens [at Pinehurst]. You’re not going to hit each inexperienced. You’re placing and wedging must be pristine with a purpose to compete at this main championship and at this venue.
“Winged Foot it was a little bit little bit of a distinct technique, so most individuals would say [of Pinehurst], it’s in all probability not suited finest for me, I’d say. However I do suppose I’m a reasonably strong chipper and putter across the greens.”
DeChambeau is aware of he’s going to need to work out some kinks together with his iron play at this “ball-striker’s paradise” and strike it conservatively by discovering middle of those turtle-back greens. However in a way, the problem that No. 2 poses on strategy could possibly be sufficient to shift the separator to, as DeChambeau states, quick recreation and placing. (In different phrases, everybody goes to be scrambling greater than they’re used to.)
It’s these finesse facets of the sport wherein DeChambeau feels most assured proper now. Not driving. Not iron play.
“Individuals are going to be like, ‘What’s he even speaking about? he hits it far, and it really works to his benefit and whatnot,’” DeChambeau added. “However I feel personally for me, my chipping and placing across the greens is what’s going to assist me to offer myself an excellent probability.”
DeChambeau, who grew up on bentgrass and poa greens, has gained confidence rolling the ball on Bermuda lately. He’s additionally restricted the quantity of putts he pulls, specializing in holding his shoulder line sq. as a substitute of opening them up by way of influence. As for chipping this week, DeChambeau is ready to make use of the putter or his highest-lofted wedges, and certain nothing in between.
On the PGA, DeChambeau ranked nineteenth in strokes gained placing and sixth in strokes gained across the inexperienced.
“It’s humorous, I didn’t putt very nicely at Augusta; I used to be fairly disillusioned,” DeChambeau mentioned. “I labored actually laborious and truly discovered one thing the week of Valhalla with my placing.
“From there, I’ve simply been easy crusing.”
He’ll hope to maintain the wind stays in his sails at Pinehurst.
