[Golf Topic] 'Hulk' DeChambeau Shows Power with 412-Yard Drive in Long Drive Contest~

[Asia Economy Reporter Noo Rae] ○…‘412-yard power’.

‘Hulk’ Bryson DeChambeau (USA, photo) secured a spot in the top 64 of the Long Drive World Championship. On the first day of the tournament held on the 29th (Korean time) at the Mesquite Sports & Event Complex in Mesquite, Nevada, USA, he recorded a maximum distance of 412 yards in Group C of the group stage. He advanced to the top 64 tied for 2nd place behind Scotty Piereman (USA). It is unusual for an eight-time PGA Tour winner, including his US Open victory last September, to participate in a long drive competition.

DeChambeau has been focusing on long drives by building up his body and using longer shafts. In fact, he ranked first in the PGA Tour for driving distance last season (323.7 yards). In the 2-on-2 event ‘The Match’ last July, he demonstrated an incredible distance of 480 yards. At last week’s Ryder Cup, he reached 417 yards. This tournament divides 90 players into 5 groups for a group stage, after which the top 12 from each group advance to the top 64. The format is best of 5 sets. Each set allows 6 shots.

In each set, players compete against 2 to 3 others in the same group, with the longest drive earning 200 points, 2nd place 100 points, 3rd place 50 points, and 4th place 25 points. DeChambeau recorded a longest drive of 412 yards, and out of 30 total shots, he exceeded 400 yards 5 times. Across the 5 sets, he ranked 1st three times and 2nd twice, earning a total of 800 points, placing him tied for 2nd with Piereman (900 points). Josh Cassaday (USA) in the same group recorded a maximum of 417 yards.