Arnold Palmer Invitational Final Day 1 Under Par '1-Stroke Comeback Victory', 377-Yard Long Drive at 6th Hole 'Fan Service'
Bryson DeChambeau is wearing the red cardigan, a symbol of Arnold Palmer, immediately after winning the Arnold Palmer Invitational. Orlando, Florida, USA = Getty Images / MultiVitz
[Asia Economy Kim Hyun-jun, Golf Specialist Reporter] "Challenge for 1-on on the par-5 hole."
This is a "special fan service" from 'The Hulk' Bryson DeChambeau (USA). On the 8th (Korean time) at Bay Hill Golf Club in Orlando, Florida (par 72, 7,454 yards), the final day of the PGA Tour Arnold Palmer Invitational (total prize money $9.3 million), he added 1-under par to achieve a 1-stroke come-from-behind victory (11-under par 277). This is his second win of the 2021 season following the US Open last September, and his eighth career victory, with a winner's prize of $1,674,000 (1.89 billion KRW).
DeChambeau started in second place, one stroke behind, and combined two birdies and one bogey. Although he missed the green and made a bogey on the first hole, the 1st hole (par 4), he quickly took the lead with 'stepping stone birdies' on the 4th and 6th holes. The 6th hole (par 5) was the highlight. It is a dogleg hole where the fairway curves in a semicircle along the lake on the left. To carry the ball over the water, a carry distance of over 350 yards is required. He hit 370 yards the previous day and 377 yards again on this day.
Although the '1-on' was unsuccessful, he easily made birdies on two consecutive days, drawing cheers from the gallery. DeChambeau is currently the longest hitter on the PGA Tour (323.9 yards). It is interesting that he transformed into a power hitter by gaining as much as 18 kg last year through a 'bulk up.' Compared to 302.5 yards (34th) in the 2019 season and 322.1 yards (1st) in the 2020 season, this is a tremendous improvement. He stated, "If you hit far first, the second shot becomes easier, allowing you to get closer to the hole."
Bryson DeChambeau is cheering after sinking the winning par putt on the 18th hole of the final day at the Arnold Palmer Invitational. Orlando, Florida, USA = Getty Images / Multivitz Photo by Multivitz
DeChambeau actually made the only under-par score (6-under par 274) at the US Open victory on the 'Devil's Course' at Winged Foot Golf Club in Mamaroneck, New York. On this day, despite strong winds, he showed grit by making par on 12 consecutive holes starting from the 7th hole (par 4). He sank a 15-meter par putt on the 11th hole (par 4), and on the 16th hole (par 5), although his tee shot landed on the lip of a bunker, he showed patience by laying up and ultimately saving par.
The '48-year-old veteran' Lee Westwood (England), who caused a stir with a 7-under par daily best the previous day, is in second place (10-under par 278). He lost one stroke with two birdies and three bogeys, and on the final 18th hole, even a well-hit tee shot unfortunately landed in a divot. Corey Conners (Canada) is third (8-under par 280), and Jordan Spieth (USA) faltered with shaky iron shots, finishing tied for fourth (6-under par 282) with a 3-over par round.
Rory McIlroy (Northern Ireland) made headlines off the course by hitting his tee shot into the water twice on the 6th hole. His 'rollercoaster play' continued with 4-over par, dropping him to a tie for 10th place (3-under par 285). Defending champion Tyrrell Hatton (England) stopped his title defense at a tie for 21st place (1-under par 287). From Korea, Im Sung-jae (23) joined the group tied for 21st, and An Byeong-hun (30, both from CJ Logistics) is tied for 43rd place (3-over par 291).
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
