HITTING LIKE THE HULK IS PROVIDING A HUGE BOOST FOR BRYSON

THE golfer known as the Mad Scientist has embarked on his most radical experiment yet: to render some of the world’s most traditional courses obsolete.

Bryson DeChambeau has given up on the idea of using craft and imagination to unpick the most strategic layouts. He’s going to bludgeon them into submission instead.

The 26-year-old spent lockdown pumping iron and working on his speed training, in order to swing the club faster and faster. The change in his body shape and swing speed has been dramatic.

All DeChambeau needed was to show up at the Charles Schwab Challenge in Fort

Worth, Texas wearing green, and the transformation into the Incredible Hulk would have been complete.

Five years ago, the physics major won the US Amateur Championship weighing in at under 14 stones. He now weighs more than 17 stones.

Justin Rose could barely believe the difference as he played alongside DeChambeau and Dustin Johnson, who used to think he was a long hitter.

‘There’s just a massive change,’ said the Englishman. ‘One in his physique, for he’s now huge, but also his hitting. When I hit it well, I can carry it 300 yards, but Bryson blew his drive by me on the first by at least 40 yards, and he was a long way past Dustin (Johnson) as well.

‘He definitely looks like he’s added a couple of weapons.’

DeChambeau couldn’t make many inroads in Texas last night as a level-par, third-round 70 left him three shots behind leader Xander Schauffele, whose 66 put him at the head of affairs.

Jordan Spieth is one of five players a shot back on 12 under after a 68. Alongside DeChambeau on 10 under are Rory McIlroy (69) and Justin Rose (68).

Meanwhile, Tiger Woods has not entered this week’s Heritage Classic. The 44-year-old is not likely to play tournament golf again until the middle of July, as he concentrates on being ready for the majors, starting with the USPGA Championship in early August.