Disembo's Endless Experiment "Challenge, 400 Yards~"

Average 321.3 Yards 'Long Drive King' Transformation: Various 'Tests' Including Weight Training, 4.8-Degree Loft, and 48-Inch Shaft

The 'eccentric golfer' Bryson DeChambeau is conducting various experiments to increase his driver distance even during the 'COVID-19 pandemic'.

[Asia Economy Reporter No Woo-rae] 'Average drive shot distance 321.3 yards.'

This is the record of Bryson DeChambeau (USA), ranked 13th in the world, for the 2019/2020 PGA Tour season. He leads this category, surpassing power hitters like Rory McIlroy (Northern Ireland) and Cameron Champ (USA). Considering he was only 34th (302.5 yards) in the 2018/2019 season, this is an incredible improvement. Even with the season interrupted due to the COVID-19 pandemic, he is fervently working on increasing his driving distance.

DeChambeau is known as the 'scientist of the field,' striving to prove various scientific hypotheses on the course. He is called a 'quirky golfer' due to his unconventional club setup that breaks common sense. Normally, irons have longer shafts for lower numbers, but DeChambeau is an exception. All 10 clubs, from the 3-iron to the wedge, have the same length of 37.5 inches and weight of 280 grams. He is popular for his preference for a hunting cap reminiscent of Ben Hogan (USA). He has won a total of five tournaments, including the John Deere Classic in 2017.

Since last fall, he has been gaining weight and increasing muscle mass at a weight training center. This is an effort to improve swing speed and ball speed. Last season, his average ball speed was 175.4 mph, with a top speed of 180.83 mph. Recently, he drew attention by broadcasting a scene on his internet show where his driver shot ball speed reached 203 mph using simulation golf equipment. The data-measured distance was about 330 yards.

This surpasses the average ball speed of 190.7 mph and top ball speed of 198.91 mph of last year's PGA Tour driving distance king Cameron Champ (317.9 yards). DeChambeau claimed, "The spin rate is 2000 rpm," and "the ball flew 360 yards." He continues endless experiments with his equipment. On his SNS, he announced, "If I can control it well, I would use a 48-inch driver," drawing the spotlight once again.

"I increased my swing speed but felt something was lacking, so I analyzed it," he said. "If I can hit the ball straight like with a 45.5-inch driver, there is no reason not to use a 48-inch driver." According to the United States Golf Association (USGA) equipment regulations, 48 inches is the maximum length allowed for a driver. Exceeding this length makes the club non-conforming. While longer drivers can hit the ball farther, they are harder to control, so players usually use clubs around 45 inches.

Brooke Henderson (Canada), who plays on the LPGA Tour, currently uses a 48-inch driver, but she grips it much lower for swing control, making it effectively about 46 inches. In December last year, DeChambeau appeared at the Presidents Cup, an intercontinental golf competition between the World Team and the USA, with a rare driver. It is a new weapon with a loft of 4.8 degrees. He explained, "As my swing speed increased, I needed new equipment," and "I chose a loft suitable for my new swing."