Disembo's Radical Experiment is 'Ongoing'... "Unique Putting, Compass Controversy, 48-Inch Long Driver"

Physics Graduate "A Club Setting That Breaks Common Sense," Gains Weight and Muscle Mass to Leap to No.1 in Long Drive, Recently Challenging a 48-Inch Driver

'Field Scientist' Bryson DeChambeau recently made news by announcing the use of a 48-inch long driver.

[Asia Economy Kim Hyun-jun, Golf Specialist Reporter] "This time, a 48-inch long driver."

The radical experiment of 'the scientist of the field,' Bryson DeChambeau (USA), is still 'ongoing.' It is interesting that he graduated in physics from Southern Methodist University in Texas. He caused a sensation by winning the 2015 US Amateur, went through the 2016 Korn Ferry (second-tier) Tour, and immediately secured his first PGA Tour victory at the 2017 John Deere Classic. In 2018, he quickly rose to world stardom by sweeping 'two consecutive playoff (PO) wins' at The Northern Trust and Dell Technologies.

▲ "All 10 irons have the same length and weight" = DeChambeau is a unique attraction with his aristocratic style, a hunting cap reminiscent of the late Payne Stewart, and unconventional club settings. From the 3-iron to the wedge, all 10 irons have the same length of 37.5 inches and weight of 280g. He explained, "I learned from Homer Kelly's book Golfing Machine that you have to swing on the same path," and "so I matched the shaft lengths." Only the loft differs by 4 degrees each.

▲ "Strange putting, next is the torso putter" = In 2016, he drew the spotlight by attempting Sam Snead's (USA) 'side-saddle' putting style. This means sitting sideways with both legs together on one side, as women do when riding horses. In golf, it involves putting with both legs together behind the ball, facing the hole. At the 2017 CareerBuilder Challenge, he chose a putter with a semicircular head and a shaft inserted in the middle of the torso, which led to a rules violation dispute with the United States Golf Association (USGA).

▲ "Compass controversy" = In 2018, he was again embroiled in a 'compass controversy.' The starting point was when a camera caught DeChambeau using a drafting compass on his yardage book during the third round of the Travelers Championship. When the PGA Tour investigated whether this violated golf rules, he expressed discomfort, saying, "I just wanted to accurately understand the pin position on every hole," and "I think people consider it a strange tool."

Bryson DeChambeau became a hot topic last year by immediately attempting flagstick putting following the change in golf rules.

▲ "Putting with the flagstick is advantageous" = When the Royal & Ancient Golf Club (R&A) and USGA applied new golf rules last year, he made news by putting with the flagstick still in the hole. Previously, if the ball hit the flagstick during putting, a two-stroke penalty was always imposed, but this was changed to no penalty. DeChambeau analyzed, "Flagsticks made of low-rebound fiberglass increase the chances of holing out when left in," adding, "The material of the flagstick can create advantages or disadvantages."

▲ "Building a muscular body and transforming into a long hitter" = It is noteworthy that since last fall, DeChambeau has gained 20kg in weight while increasing muscle mass at a weight training center to extend his driving distance. This effect seems to be showing this year. His average driving distance rose sharply from 302.50 yards (34th) in the 2018/2019 season to 321.30 yards (1st) in the 2019/2020 season. He has reached a maximum of 360 yards.

▲ "Challenging the driver length limit" = Recently, through social media, he declared, "I will use a 48-inch long driver." Forty-eight inches is the upper limit according to USGA equipment regulations; normally, drivers are 45 to 46 inches. The longer the driver, the farther the ball goes, but it is relatively harder to control. However, DeChambeau confidently said, "I have maximized my swing speed but still feel something is missing," and "If I can hit it straight, it will definitely help increase distance."