Is Bryson DeChambeau his own worst enemy?
The former US Open champion has had a bizarre start to the year on and off the course. And, writes Matt Chivers, it’s threatening to derail yet another season for the unpredictable star
I’d usually avoid the cliched Marmite comparison – particularly when it comes to talking about people – but it’s just so difficult not to when Bryson DeChambeau is concerned.
The most recent revelations about the inevitable termination of his relationship with Cobra-Puma provide more evidence of his erratic and unpredictable nature.
As reported by Golfweek, Cobra-Puma’s PGA Tour rep Ben Schomin used the phrase “looking for a unicorn” to describe DeChambeau’s quest for the perfect driver that can find every fairway no matter if you it from the middle of the face or the hosel.
The former US Open champion surprised everyone when he was spotted using a TaylorMade Stealth 2 driver at the Saudi International when he knew there would be repercussions if he used said club.
Now that he is out of contract with Cobra-Puma, it is unclear where he goes next. He was with his coach Chris Como at Ping HQ in Arizona earlier this week, so this could be the biggest clue so far.
This sequence of events could become something DeChambeau regrets, much like the intense bulking campaign he began in 2020 which turned him into the biggest hitter on the PGA Tour.
The 29-year-old admitted back in November that his irregular diet messed up his gut and caused mood swings. He received wrist surgery in April, probably as a result of the relentless speed training.
DeChambeau lost 18 pounds in the space of a month in 2022 to address his physical health and, in a recent interview, he claimed he felt like he did in 2018.
He suffered the consequences of his bomb-and-gouge tactics, which did win him his maiden major title, and he finds himself in a more familiar body type.
Among all the controversy with his equipment deals and his fluctuating body weight, the man is a professional golfer and is set to play at least 18 times this season – 14 times in LIV Golf’s second season, and his US Open win gets him into all four major championships.
DeChambeau missed the cut in Saudi – the event was won by Abraham Ancer – but this could’ve caught no one by surprise after a break dating back to October.
It just seems DeChambeau’s unpredictable nature off the course is having a negative effect on his performance on the course. How can he ever maintain concentration when it appears he doesn’t know what step in life he’ll take next?
He appears a shadow of the talent that won eight PGA Tour trophies as well as the US Amateur prior to turning professional.
Whichever tour he’s on, he is good for the game. So let’s hope he finds his old self again soon.
Will Bryson DeChambeau get back to winning ways in 2023? Tweet me and let me know!
Matt Chivers
Now on the wrong side of 25, Matt has been playing golf since the age of 13 and was largely inspired to take up the game by countless family members who played golf during his childhood.
Matt is a member at Royal Cinque Ports in Deal playing off a 5 handicap, just a pitching wedge away from his hometown of Dover where he went to school and grew up. He has previously been a member at Etchinghill and Walmer and Kingsdown in Kent.
Having studied history at the University of Liverpool, Matt went on to pass his NCTJ Exams in Manchester a year later to fulfil his lifelong ambition of becoming a journalist. He picked up work experience along the way at places such as the Racing Post, the Independent, Sportsbeat and the Lancashire Evening Post.
Matt joined NCG in February 2023 and is the website’s main source of tour news, features and opinion. He has reported live from events such as The Open, the Ryder Cup and The Players Championship, having also interviewed and spent time with some of the biggest names in the sport.
Consuming tour golf on what is a 24/7 basis, you can come to Matt for informed views on the game and the latest updates on the PGA Tour, DP World Tour, LPGA Tour, Ladies European Tour and LIV Golf.
What’s in Matt’s bag: Cobra LTDx LS driver, Cobra LTDx 3-wood, TaylorMade P7MC irons, Ping Glide 4.0 wedges, Odyssey putter.
