In 2020, we are ready for the Bryson DeChambeau era. The par for the U.S. Open at Augusta National is said to be 67, not 72, and golfers around the world are trying to imitate the eccentric Californian’s bomb-and-chip approach.
DeChambeau polarizes opinion, but he’s a true driving force in a sport that’s largely vanilla. DeChambeau has a peculiar habit of pissing people off, which belies the fact that he always seems to mean well. Mad Scientist helps sell sports to the masses. He had a long-running feud with Brooks Koepka and publicly denounced his equipment manufacturer during his eight wins on the PGA Tour. Being Bryson seems exhausting.
Amazingly, DeChambeau had all but disappeared from view until he topped the leaderboard on the first day of the 88th Masters. A great 65 – 7 under, or 2 under? – a timely reminder of his talent. DeChambeau’s move to LIV has somewhat lowered his profile. For example, who knew he shot 61 and 58 in his victory on the Rebel Tour last August?
The postgame media conference at Augusta National was colorful. For example, DeChambeau was asked if he looked up to famous YouTubers. “I don’t worship anyone but God,” he said. “I love God.” The Almighty will have a tricky decision to make as to who should wear the green jacket. Scottie Scheffler’s belief is often mentioned, but he came close to getting close to DeChambeau before the game ended.
Scheffler hid in plain sight after shooting 66. Any support for the pre-tournament favorite is probably ill-advised. Scheffler had his highlight of the day when he holed out from a bunker behind the 12th green. Perhaps just as important was a brave two-putt from 80 feet at the end that saved par. Scheffler’s putt was the only thing that gave the 88 other players in the field any hope.
However, this feels like DeChambeau’s day. He birdied the first three holes and then, rather than holding on, kept his foot on the gas. The 31 back nine holes ensured DeChambeau’s best performance at Augusta National. This comes after losing two consecutive Masters tournaments.
“I’m a very passionate person, and some people might view that in a very negative way,” he said. “Others might think, ‘Wow, he’s trying to carve his own path.'” I think that’s a big misunderstanding, and I’m divided. I’m really not. I don’t want to be. It may be that way because I am passionate about certain things and certain subjects. This is open to interpretation and opinion. I respect everyone’s opinions and ideas. I know the path I pave will be viewed in many ways. “
DeChambeau insists this is “the golf phase.” I would definitely say the golf phase. Try to be the best golfer you can be. ” LIV Commissioner Greg Norman watched the Masters leaders from outside the ropes.
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Danny Willett’s reputation is extraordinary. The Yorkshireman left the PGA Championship at Wentworth last September straight into shoulder surgery. Doctors predict Willett won’t compete again for 12 to 18 months. By January, the 2016 Masters champion felt like he could return to Magnolia Lane. Yet it wasn’t until Sunday that he firmly decided to participate in the draw. So far, so good; Willett made the final birdie putt for a 68. “I thought I might take six months off,” Willett said with a laugh. “I didn’t know what to expect, so obviously it’s always nice to shoot a good score. I could have shot 80, but it was still nice to be able to go on without any pain. From where I was, it was still nice to be able to do it without any pain. It’s a very good thing to play without pain.”
Ryan Fox finished at minus-five but missed two shots in the final six holes. So far, Joaquin Niemann has proven Augusta National’s special invitation after shooting 70. Niemann was actually one shot ahead after the 12th. Matt Fitzpatrick went the other direction after losing the ball in strong position on 14, 17 and 18. Look around. Jon Rahm opened the defense with a 73.
Thunderstorms expected to hit Augusta National on Thursday night did not arrive, but enough rain delayed the start of the game by two and a half hours. The resulting ripple effect will see a group of players, including Tiger Woods, return on Friday morning to complete the first round.
Twenty years after Phil Mickelson’s first Masters success, he opened with a 73. Mixon’s thoughts turned to DeChambeau, to whom he has been a career mentor. “He’s one of the smartest guys I know, he’s one of the most talented players I know and probably one of the hardest working players,” Mixon said. “He has found a way to play golf that is different and unique to anyone I have ever met. He believes and knows that it gives him opportunities and advantages, he has commitment and self-confidence and does not care what others say, but just along the way Follow the path he knows is right for him.” In three days, DeChambeau would write his most epic story yet.
