[Golf Topic] 'Hulk' DeChambeau "Challenging Par 5 Hole '1-On' This Time?"

[Asia Economy Reporter Noo Rae] ○…‘Hulk’ Bryson DeChambeau (USA, photo) is set to showcase his ‘superhuman strength’ at the PGA Tour Arnold Palmer Invitational.

Local U.S. media reported on the 4th (Korean time) that "long hitter DeChambeau’s attempt to reach the green in one shot on the challenging 6th hole (par 5, 555 yards) at Bay Hill Golf Club is drawing attention." The 6th hole is shaped like a semicircle around a lake. While the full length is 555 yards if played around, the direct distance over the lake to the green is only 350 yards. During practice rounds the day before, he attempted ‘green in one’ twice but missed both times?30 yards short on the first attempt and 40 yards short on the second.

Last year, he hit a tee shot aimed at the green that flew 340 yards on this hole. The result was not the expected eagle or birdie but a par. Earlier this year, DeChambeau announced, "If conditions like wind are right, I will 100% attempt to reach the green in one." He added confidently, "Isn’t that something everyone wants to see?" DeChambeau’s average driving distance is an impressive 323.9 yards. He has even driven the ball 414 yards in competition. Reaching 350 yards is definitely within his capability.

However, if there is a headwind, he is unlikely to attempt the ‘green in one.’ There is precedent for paying a heavy price for trying to ‘show off.’ John Daly (USA) aimed for ‘green in one’ on the 6th hole on the final day in 1998 but lost seven balls in the water and finished the hole with 18 strokes. DeChambeau, who won the US Open last year among his seven PGA Tour victories, is focusing on increasing his driving distance by building muscle mass and adjusting driver loft and shaft length.