[Winners Club] DeChambeau Wins After Changing Head on Final Day

Third Major Title of the Year at the US Open
‘Physicist of the Field’ Changes Driver Head
Checking Ball's Center of Gravity by Soaking in Saltwater

Bryson DeChambeau (USA), a member of LIV Golf, made a splash.

Bryson DeChambeau is teeing off at the 11th hole during the 4th round of the US Open.
[Pinehurst, USA=UPI·Yonhap News]

On the 16th (local time), he clinched the victory at the 124th US Open, the third major tournament of the year, held at Pinehurst Resort & Country Club Course No. 2 in North Carolina, USA (par 70, 7,548 yards). This marked his second major win in four years since his 2020 US Open victory, and his ninth PGA Tour win overall, coming three years and three months after the Memorial Tournament in March 2021. The winner's prize was $4.3 million (approximately 6 billion KRW).

DeChambeau is known as the "Physicist of the Field." He majored in physics in college. He does not hesitate to adopt new technologies based on scientific principles and methodologies across all areas, including practice, physical training, swing, and equipment. He made various attempts during this US Open. He changed his driver head just 15 minutes before the final round tee-off. The driver was a Crank Formula Fire Pro with a 6-degree loft.

DeChambeau was seen at the driving range surrounded by his coach, manager, and equipment staff, personally changing the driver head. He removed one head, attached another, swung it, and showed a dissatisfied expression before repeating the process with another head. Finally, he selected one head, handed the driver to his caddie, and it became the driving force behind his victory.

DeChambeau also attracted attention by using new technology. He said, "Before a round, I always soak golf balls in saltwater." This is to check whether the center of gravity of the golf ball is located at the center of the ball. In an interview with CNN, he said, "If a dimpled object is old, it is difficult to have the center of gravity perfectly centered." Since a golf ball cannot achieve perfect balance, the process involves selecting balls that are as well-balanced as possible.

DeChambeau claimed, "Balls soaked in saltwater will have the heavier side facing below the water surface. After marking a dot on the opposite side, placing the ball so the dot is visible and rolling it will make it roll straight. If the center of gravity is off, it affects the trajectory." Although most golf balls do not cause significant problems, this is part of the preparation process for the most accurate shots possible.

＜Clubs Used During US Open Victory＞

Driver: Crank Formula Fire Pro (6 degrees)

Fairway Woods: Crank Formula Fire (10, 13 degrees)

Irons: Avoda (#5-PW)

Wedges: Ping Glide 4.0 (45, 50, 56, 60 degrees)

Putter: L.A. Golf Amrock Prototype

Ball: Titleist Pro V1x *Source: Golf Digest