PGA Tour Rising Star Bryson DeChambeau Prepares To Make History At Masters

Bryson DeChambeau, the 22-year-old reigning U.S. Amateur champion and NCAA champion, is playing in his first Masters this week, and is set to turn pro just in time for the RBC Heritage in Hilton Head next week. DeChambeau appears to soon become golf’s next superstar.

PGA Tour Rising Star Bryson DeChambeau

One of DeChambeau’s most distinguishing traits is the fact that he has a name for each of his irons, each one having either historical or personal relevance. He plays with a unique set of clubs that are all cut the exact same length and weight — 37.5 inches, 280 grams — and each is built with a 6-iron shaft.

DeChambeau is very determined to win, especially at this week’s Masters, so that he can channel his inner Bobby Jones, the iconic amateur who founded the Masters.

In fact, DeChambeau is so obsessed with winning the Masters that he met with CBS commentator Jim Nantz so that he could pick his brain about the Masters.

“Bryson is obsessed with this idea of trying to win the Masters as an amateur,’’ Nantz said. “That was Bobby Jones’ all-time dream — that one day an amateur would one day win his tournament. So Bryson came over to my house and for two hours he peppered me with questions about everything and all things Augusta National and the Masters Tournament.”

Nantz then added, “It was fascinating. I dispensed everything I knew about the amateurs who had competed and who had contended at Augusta. He was taking it all in. He was collecting more data for that incredible mind of his. I’m anxious to see him.’’

DeChambeau also partnered with golf great Phil Mickelson to beat Dustin Johnson and Keegan Bradley in a friendly practice-round match on Tuesday. Mickelson spoke highly of DeChambeau, stating, “I really enjoy spending time with Bryson because he comes at the game from such a different point of view and has such well thought‑out opinions as to why and how it should be played a certain way, a different way, the way that he plays it,’’

Mickelson said. “I think he’s going to have a steady climb in his career. He’s got an incredible amount of talent right now.’’

With regards to his view of Bobby Jones, DeChambeau simply stated, “I tried to learn as much as possible about Mr. Jones,’’ he said. “His spirit is still here, and it’s quite an honor to get to experience that here.’’

When asked whether he believes golf is a science or an art, the young Modesto, California native said, “It’s a mesh of the two. If you can beautifully mesh the art and science of it to enhance your game, there’s no downside to it.’’

One of the first things DeChambeau did on his first visit to Augusta National earlier in the year, after he had qualified for the Masters field by virtue of his U.S. Amateur win, was look at Jones’ clubs in the clubhouse trophy room.

“It was a pretty special moment, because we’d always heard that story, never verified it,’’ he said. “But when I actually got to go up to that case and I looked in … it inspired me even more. It was gratifying to our journey.’’

On Thursday, DeChambeau has a 9:48 tee time at the Masters alongside Paul Casey and defending champion Jordan Spieth.