"‘400-Yard Power Hitter’ DeChambeau's Dilemma: 'What About Putting?'"

Opening Match Sentry Tournament's Maximum 414-Yard 'Power', Lowest Putting Average of 1.80 per Hole 'Obstacle'

'Hulk' Bryson DeChambeau succeeded in a 400-yard drive but is struggling on the greens.

[Asia Economy Kim Hyun-jun, Golf Specialist Reporter] "Between long drives and putting."

‘Hulk’ Bryson DeChambeau (USA) is facing growing concerns. While focusing on his 400-yard long drives, he has been struggling on the greens. In fact, at the first PGA Tour event of 2021, the Sentry Tournament held on the 11th, among 42 players, he ranked first in average driving distance (303.6 yards), but his average putts per hole dropped to a tie for 35th at 1.80. He lamented, "If my putting had been just a little better, the results would have been different."

DeChambeau finished tied for 7th place (20 under par, 272 strokes). He showed his power with drives up to 400 yards, including an impressive 414-yard shot on the 12th hole (par 4, 431 yards) in the second round. This is the effect of his ‘bulk-up,’ having gained 18 kg last year. Now weighing 110 kg, he had already ranked first in driving distance in the PGA Tour 2019/2020 season (322.1 yards) and 2020/2021 season (329.2 yards). Compared to 2019’s 302.5 yards (34th place), this is an increase of over 30 yards.

Interestingly, DeChambeau ranks second in scrambling ability (88.2%), which is the skill of saving par or better after missing the green. He argued, "If you hit it far, the second shot becomes easier, allowing you to get closer to the hole even from the rough." The major US Open last September is a representative example. At the notoriously difficult Winged Foot Golf Club in Mamaroneck, New York, he was the only player under par, achieving a dominant 6-stroke victory (6 under par, 274 strokes).

The problem lies in his green play. During the Sentry Tournament, DeChambeau missed four short putts within 1.5 meters. This was clearly reflected in the stats. His Strokes Gained: Off The Tee was 6.52 strokes (1st place), but Strokes Gained: Putting was only -0.90 strokes (27th place). Putting emerged as his ‘Achilles’ heel.’

It is noteworthy that on the final day, DeChambeau averaged 1.71 putts, making one eagle and five birdies. On the 18th hole (668 yards), after a 392-yard tee shot and a 244-yard second shot, he easily reached the green in two and sank a 1.6-meter eagle putt. He said, "The Kapalua Resort Plantation Course on Maui, Hawaii, where the tournament was held, was not suited for ‘power golf.’ I will work on upgrading my game, including putting."