At Augusta National Practice Round, Achieved '2-On' Success on All Four Par 5 Holes; Most Par 4 Holes Left with Wedge Shot Distance Remaining
'Hulk' Bryson DeChambeau is drawing the spotlight by hitting drives up to 400 yards during practice rounds in preparation for the Masters.
[Asia Economy Kim Hyun-jun, Golf Specialist Reporter] "Up to 400 yards."
'Hulk' Bryson DeChambeau (USA) showcased a 'monster shot' in preparation for the Masters, which begins its grand journey on the night of the 12th (Korean time) at Augusta National Golf Club in Georgia, USA (par 72, 7,475 yards). Based on recent reports from the American Golf Channel and the 1988 Masters champion Sandy Lyle (Scotland), "DeChambeau succeeded in reaching the green in two shots on all four par-5 holes during practice rounds, and his second shot distance was at most the length of a 7-iron."
He targeted the green with an 8-iron on the 2nd hole (575 yards), a 7-iron on the 8th hole (570 yards) and 13th hole (510 yards), and a 9-iron on the 15th hole (530 yards). On the 15th hole, he even used a 7-iron immediately after a 3-wood tee shot. Most par-4 holes left wedge shot distances. He used a sand wedge on the 1st hole (445 yards), 9th hole (460 yards), and 17th hole (440 yards), and a pitching wedge on the 10th hole (495 yards). On the 3rd hole (350 yards), his 3-wood tee shot flew well beyond the green.
DeChambeau continues to make news with his endless long-drive experiments. It is interesting that he increased his weight from 91 kg in the second half of last year by 9 kg, and again by 9 kg in the first half of this year, reaching a massive 109 kg. He explained, "I increased muscle mass through intense exercise combined with dietary control." His average driving distance has increased by about 20 yards each year, from 302.5 yards (34th) in the 2019 season to 322.1 yards (1st) in 2020, and 344.4 yards (1st) in 2021.
He actually reaped the benefits by winning the 120th US Open last September (total prize money $12.5 million). At Winged Foot Golf Club in Mamaroneck, New York (par 70, 7,477 yards), known for its difficulty, he achieved a 6-stroke victory (6 under par 274) and was the only player to score under par. Attention should be paid to his 395-yard tee shot on the 4th hole (par 4) during the final day of the Shriners Children's Open last month. This shows that increasing driving distance is still an ongoing process.
Immediately after this tournament, DeChambeau began preparing for the Masters and shared on social media, revealing a TrackMan screen, "I surpassed 400 yards for the first time." The data showed a distance of 403.1 yards, ball speed of 339.6 km/h, and ball spin rate of 1,957 rpm. Experts predict, "The only way to stop DeChambeau's unreal long-drive power is strong winds and bad weather." He declared, "I will use a 48-inch driver at the Masters," making this year's Masters even more intriguing.
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