Bryson DeChambeau, a two-time major winner, has gained a reputation as a force to be reckoned with on the PGA Tour, thanks to his record-breaking driving distance. Between 2020 and 2021, DeChambeau was on a tear, becoming the first player to average over 320 yards throughout a PGA Tour season. His pursuit for extra yardage saw him push his physical boundaries, bulking up to increase his swing speed. However, in hindsight, the American golfer confessed to Golf.com that his weight gain was an error.
DeChambeau’s fixation on distance reached its zenith during the 2021 Arnold Palmer Invitational at Bay Hill, where he dominated with his colossal drives, particularly on the par-five sixth. This hole, traditionally played to the right before laying up or aiming for the green in two, was a different game entirely for DeChambeau. He chose to hit straight over the water and directly at the green, carrying the hazard with ease when the wind allowed.
One observer of DeChambeau’s unconventional approach was Jordan Spieth, who played alongside him at Bay Hill. Spieth expressed his disappointment when he didn’t get to see DeChambeau tackle the sixth due to unfavorable wind conditions. He had eagerly anticipated DeChambeau’s performance after learning of their pairing and was upset that the wind had disrupted the spectacle.
Spieth was, however, quick to praise DeChambeau’s control despite his aggressive driving. Noting that while several golfers hit the ball hard, DeChambeau stood out for his ability to keep the ball straight. Despite his own frustration with not keeping up with DeChambeau’s accuracy, Spieth found the experience exciting. He mentioned how he would often nudge his caddie, Michael, pointing out DeChambeau’s impressive plays.
DeChambeau’s bold strategy at the Arnold Palmer Invitational was rewarded when he emerged victorious, finishing a shot ahead of Lee Westwood. His daring approach to the sixth hole resulted in birdies on three out of the four days. The 2021 Arnold Palmer Invitational would mark DeChambeau’s last regular PGA Tour victory before he made the switch to the LIV Golf League in 2022. The 31-year-old has an impressive record, with nine Tour victories and career earnings of $34m.
In contrast, Spieth, a three-time major winner, fell short of victory at the 2021 Arnold Palmer Invitational. He was in contention before losing momentum in the final round, dropping shots on three of the last four holes to end the week tied for fourth place. As he continues his recovery from injury, Spieth is set to participate in the upcoming Cognizant Classic and then return to Bay Hill for the fourth Signature Event of the season.
