Bryson DeChambeau, one of the big stars of LIV Golf, took centre stage this Wednesday alongside his teammates in the Crushers GC, his team, during an interesting press conference ahead of the tournament that the Saudi tour is holding this weekend in Hong Kong, where, among other topics, he made it clear that he has already activated Masters mode. The Californian has his sights set on wearing the famous Green Jacket of Augusta National one day and is doing everything he can to achieve it… in every aspect.
“I’m excited and I’m ready,” said the ‘scientist’ about his imminent presence in the first major of the season. “At least, that’s how I feel, that I’m ready. I’ve made some changes to the golf ball and we’re going to test them this week. So far, they’ve gone quite well, so we’ll see how they work. But I feel comfortable and I’m enthusiastic, which is what really matters. Whatever happens, the cards will fall, but I’m looking forward to competing this year,” added Bryson, one of the most high-profile golfers in the world.
DeChambeau revealed that in 2025 he has already had the opportunity to visit Augusta and play the course and that he will do so again before the Masters: “Yes, it was on January 6th, I did a little practice round. I might do another one before going to Miami, but we’ll see…”. Bryson has played the Augusta National tournament eight times. In the first, in 2016, he was the best amateur. He has missed the cut twice and his best result to date was the tied sixth place he achieved last year.
In addition to his return to the tournament at Magnolia Lane, the American has spoken highly of the course where this week’s tournament is being held in Hong Kong for LIV Golf. “I think it’s a strategic course. On courses like this, you have to be solid, that’s what I did last year, I was very thoughtful, used strategy and made my way through. It’s like the DLF in India, a very narrow course, I only hit irons from the tee. This course is a gem and it’s the kind that inspires me when I start designing, I think of Hong Kong, that par three on the 12th hole, incredible…”.
“That’s the kind of golf I like, where there’s a bit of risk-reward but it’s not too long a shot. It makes you think, I like courses that make you think and this is one of them. Valderrama is another course that makes you think. There are some places in the world that have magnificent design and can stand the test of time without being so long, that’s how golf should progress. I’m a long hitter, but I’m sure people will appreciate that there’s no need to keep making courses longer. We’ll keep hitting it harder and harder, but there’s no need to stretch the courses. It’s a more strategic game, with trees, bunkers, water hazards, fast greens, slopes… Many things can be done,” he detailed.
By the way, Bryson revealed that, although he will try it in practice rounds, he does not plan to attempt to reach the short par-four 1st hole in Hong Kong with one shot during the tournament: “It’s a fun green to try to catch in practice, but not in competition. You’re going to have a wedge every day, the best thing is to play short, make a good chip and birdie. You can hit a great drive and then not get rewarded because to the left of the green is difficult and to the right you’re in the trees, it’s not worth it.”
Regarding the evolution of his game and areas for improvement, DeChambeau was absolutely clear and sincere: “When I gained all that speed, I had to learn to manage it and it took me a while to hit it straight. Last year I was able to play quite well and this year I feel better. But I still have to adjust my wedges even more, I think I’ll improve on short courses when I achieve that, I’m still working on it and it’s my next goal in golf.”
His teammates agreed, adding some details. Lahiri said: “I’m seeing how his game evolves and, more than his game itself, how he makes better decisions on the course.” “And off it,” Bryson replied with a laugh. “No, seriously, he’s improved a lot, he’s become more mature on the course and in general, you can tell when he approaches more strategic courses, he tries to master them, he knows it’s his strength, just like putting. It’s nice to see Bryson more balanced on the golf course,” insisted the good Anirban.
Howell III reiterated the point: “I think there are two aspects of Bryson‘s game that are incredibly underrated: how straight he hits the ball and how far it goes. Anyone who plays with him or watches him is surprised. Plus, he’s become a fantastic player with the putter on the greens. I remember when he first came to the PGA Tour, we were friends and… I don’t think he was a good putter, he didn’t like it.” “He was one of the worst,” DeChambeau immediately confirmed, in his element.
“He’s gone from being one of the worst to, in my opinion, the best, and if not the best, among the top three. Those two aspects help him a lot,” clarified Charles. “And how much have you guys improved in the last two years?” Bryson asked his teammates. “I think my swing has improved, I think I hit it better. And we like our captain, we get along well,” said Howell III. “Speak for yourself, not for me,” concluded Lahiri in a press conference that had turned into a chat among friends.
By the way, DeChambeau, being politically correct, avoided vehemently denying that he is considering returning to the PGA Tour in the future: “I’m very excited about the future of LIV Golf. I’m very excited to be the captain of the Crushers and continue our legacy that we are starting to create. My goal is to create this lasting legacy that impacts millions and millions of golfers’ lives around the world. I think that’s all you need to know.”
