Bryson DeChambeau may have romped away with the US Open title playing golf his own, unique way, but the colourful American star does not think that his dominating win will change the way golf is played. He believes it will change the way people think about the game.
“I think I’m definitely changing the way people think about the game. Now, whether you can do it, that’s a whole different situation,” said the bulked-up DeChambeau after closing with a 67 at Winged Foot to pick up his first Major win by six strokes over overnight leader Matthew Wolff.
“There are a lot of people that are going to be hitting it far. Matthew was hitting it plenty far today. A couple of putts just didn’t go in for him and kept the momentum on my side. So he’s definitely got the firepower and the strength to do it. You’ve got to be looking out for him in the future,” he added.
The 27-year-old DeChambeau, nicknamed ‘The Scientist’ for his scientific and analytical approach to the game, noted that he hoped to inspire the younger generation of players.
“There’s a lot of young guns that are unbelievable players and I think the next generation that’s coming up into golf hopefully will see this and go, hey, I can do that too.
“You know, I hope I can inspire some people. My goal in playing golf is to try and figure it out. I’m just trying to figure out this very complex, multi-variable and multi-dimensional game. It’s very, very difficult. It’s a fun journey for me,” said DeChambeau, who is well-known for his single-length Cobra irons measuring 37.5 inches.
“I hope that inspires people to say, hey, look, maybe there is a different way to do it. Not everybody has to do it my way … I’m not saying that. I’m just saying, in general, that there are different ways to do things. If you can find your own way, find your passion – like Arnie said, swing your swing. That’s what I do. That’s what Matthew Wolff does. That’s what Tiger does. That’s what Phil does. That’s what everybody does, and we’re all trying to play the best golf we can,” he elaborated.
Asked if he considered the US Open win as validation for his occasionally vilified approach to the game, DeChambeau replied: “Absolutely. And I’m not going to stop. Next week I’m going to be trying a 48-inch driver. We’re going to be messing with some head designs and do some amazing things with Cobra to make it feasible to hit these drives maybe 360, 370, maybe even farther. I don’t know.”
DeChambeau paid tribute to his team as well as supporters for sticking with him through thick and thin.
“The fans that have always been there, the supporters that have always been there, I can’t thank you enough for everything that you have meant for me. You’ve kept me pushing the needle, moving the needle, and you’re going to keep inspiring me too. So I really thank you for everything. I couldn’t do it without you guys,” noted DeChambeau, who took his PGA Tour title haul to seven.
“There’s always going to be people that say things. There’s always going to be people that do things. But no matter what, my focus and my message to everybody out there is each and every day that you’re living life try and make this day better than the previous day.
“Let today’s garbage be better than yesterday.”
What’s In Bryson DeChambeau’s Bag
Driver: Cobra King SpeedZone (5.5 degrees) with LA Golf BAD Prototype 60 TX shaft (45.5 inches)
Fairway: Cobra King SZ Tour 3W (11.5 degrees) with LA Golf BAD Prototype 80 TX shaft (43 inches) / Cobra King SZ Tour (13.5 degrees) with LA Golf BAD Prototype 70 TX shaft (41 inches)
Irons: Cobra King SZ One Length (4, 5) / Cobra King Forged Tour One Length (6-9, P) with LA Golf Rebar Proto shafts (37.5 inches)
Wedges: Artisan Prototype (47, 52 and 58 degrees) with LA Golf Rebar Proto shafts
Putter: SIK Prototype
Ball: Bridgestone Tour BX