DeChambeau’s power game can change golf forever

Bryson DeChambeau is about to launch his ball- blasting style at Augusta National, and even his rivals wonder if golf will be the same after his attack at the Masters.

DeChambeau’s US Open victory in September proved his strategy of maximum distance and precise direction without fear of dense rough could win major titles. The 27-year-old American bulked up during the three-month PGA shutdown for Covid-19 that postponed the Masters from April.

Now the world No 6 is hitting wedges and short irons into Augusta’s formidable undulating greens and talking of re-routing drive angles on certain holes.

“Every day I’m trying to get faster and stronger and I’m trying to hit it as far as possible,” DeChambeau said.

“I’ve only seen improvements in strength increase. I’ve felt better every day, so I really don’t know where the end game is on this.”

It could end Sunday with DeChambeau wearing a green jacket even as rivals prepare to challenge for the title.

“I wish he didn’t have an advantage over me and everybody else, but the fact of the matter is that he does,” thirdranked Justin Thomas said.

“I just need to grow up and get over it because I can still beat him like I can anybody else, but it just comes down to playing better.”

It comes down to making superb chip shots and sinking putts even with approaches from longer distances.

“I still think this golf course provides enough to challenge the best players in the world,” said Rory McIlroy. “He did drive it really well, but at the same time you need to back that up with all other aspects of your game.”