Through the pandemic, Bryson DeChambeau reportedly consumed 6,000 energy every day, ate 4 eggs for breakfast, and drank a half-dozen protein shakes. He would additionally take a look at his limits by means of a fancy exercise routine, as he needed so as to add muscle. DeChambeau hoped to grow to be stronger, which might thus translate to producing better swing velocity and, consequently, longer drives.
DeChambeau gained 50 kilos of muscle, rising from the doldrums of quarantine trying like a beginning NFL linebacker, not a PGA Tour participant. His unorthodox coaching habits finally paid off, too, as he received the U.S. Open at Winged Foot that September. He would later say that he regretted this excessive schedule, as he misplaced a lot of that weight within the years since. However he can nonetheless hit the ball a mile, proof that including muscle labored wonders.
Will Zalatoris hopes to perform the identical.
Forward of this week’s Nedbank Golf Problem in South Africa, Zalatoris revealed that he picked up 15 kilos of muscle within the offseason. It’s to not DeChambeau’s degree, however the identical mantra applies. He has consumed 4,500 energy and 200 grams of protein every day, opting to work on his weight-reduction plan and exercise schedule as a substitute of taking part in.
Golf followers have all the time related Zalatoris with being lengthy and lanky, and so they have additionally in contrast him to Blissful Gilmore’s caddy for his or her related options. However Zalatoris, not in contrast to DeChambeau as soon as did and plenty of different prime gamers proceed to do now, has bulked up throughout the offseason, hoping that it pays dividends in 2025.
“I’ve labored most likely the toughest I ever have,” Zalatoris admitted.
“I completely busted my tail making an attempt to get my velocity again. I actually received higher with the broomstick, and it has been good. I haven’t performed a lot, however that was on objective.”
A 12 months in the past, Zalatoris returned to aggressive play on the Hero World Problem after a prolonged damage break. Simply minutes earlier than his first spherical on the 2023 Masters, he felt one thing pop in his again, and 48 hours later, he sat in a hospital mattress awaiting an operation. Eight months of rehab adopted, forcing Zalatoris to give attention to his restoration as a substitute of energy coaching.
That helps clarify why his previous offseason has been completely different.
“If you consider it, I haven’t actually had an low season, I suppose, since 2019,” Zalatoris mentioned.
“We used to have the wraparound, after which I’ve had two seasons rehabbing my again, so it’s type of good to have a 12 months the place as a substitute of rehabbing, I’m truly progressing.”
Zalatoris had an excellent begin to his 2024 golf season, posting a pair of top-5s at Riveria and Bay Hill. He then tied for ninth at Augusta Nationwide, a powerful show of redemption contemplating what occurred to him there the 12 months earlier than. However his sturdy play at The Masters marked his ultimate top-10 of the season. He didn’t publish a stable end till the FedEx St. Jude Championship in August, when he tied for twelfth.
However now, he’s in South Africa for the primary time, feeling stronger and more healthy and able to deal with the 2025 season. Maybe his improved energy will translate right into a win or possibly even a significant—like what occurred with DeChambeau.
Jack Milko is a golf employees author for SB Nation’s Enjoying By. Remember to try @_PlayingThrough for extra golf protection. You’ll be able to comply with him on Twitter @jack_milko as nicely.
