Bryson DeChambeau’s relentless assault on Augusta National Golf Club continued in the opening round of the 88th Masters Tournament. The enigmatic golfer unleashed a near-perfect performance, carding a seven-under 65 to seize the solo lead.
DeChambeau’s dominance was evident from the outset, as he unleashed a barrage of 12 drives exceeding 300 yards. His Krank driver and Avoda irons, unique to his arsenal, proved to be formidable weapons. Despite swirling winds, he hit 15 out of 18 greens in regulation.
The world No. 210, who has been rapidly descending in the rankings since joining LIV Golf, displayed his recent resurgence. After a challenging period last year, he has notched two victories on the breakaway tour. His sizzling form has carried over to the Masters, where he opened with three consecutive birdies and closed with five more in his final seven holes.
DeChambeau’s performance was not solely attributed to brute force. He showcased deft long-range putts and remarkable recovery shots. His sliced second shot from the pine straws on the par-5 15th, which nearly resulted in an eagle, drew gasps from the patrons.
Known as “the Scientist” for his scientific approach to golf, DeChambeau has recently become obsessed with robotics. His pursuit of a repeatable swing, the cornerstone of a great golf swing, was evident throughout his round.
However, DeChambeau acknowledged the challenges posed by the ever-changing conditions. “Trying to be a robot is always something I’ve tried to do, but it’s not feasible in this game,” he said. “This wind out here just makes it diabolical.”
Despite his polarizing nature, DeChambeau remains a passionate advocate for the game. He has recently embraced content creation on YouTube, aiming to inspire and grow the sport.
