It seems someone at Golf.com woke up from a decades-long slumber to discover that Bryson DeChambeau’s prodigious power and length off the tee come from basic swing fundamentals that have been around since the days of… well, forever.
In an article I came across today, there was an expectation before I clicked on the link, from the headline, that something juicy and secret was about to be shared.
I got a fresh look at Bryson DeChambeau’s driver swing from the weekend when he drove a 384 yard Par 4 green, and it looks pretty good, form-wise, compared to what he’s been doing before when I’d have a look.
I don’t know if there was a stiff following breeze (there is a good breeze and I doubt it was against, but it could have been a cross-wind) or if it was significantly downhill, but 384 in any conditions is a pretty good pop!
Ben Hogan will be spinning in his grave, I’m sure, to hear about how Bryson DeChambeau shot a final round 58 in his LIV event at Greenbriar to win out, using a massive training-wheels driver to do so.
You all know my opinion by now, I’m sure, on the ridiculous aspect of professional golfers using equipment that is so forgiving due to the fact that there is no “pro equipment,” just the same giant and forgiving driver heads and low-spin balls that any amateur can buy in the stores.
As we know, professional golfers are the best in the world at it – even with mechanically-unsound swings, they can repeat shots with near-robotic consistency when they’re on their game, and that’s the way it should be.
You’ve seen me complain every once in a while, in fact, that it’s ridiculous that pros play golf using what I call “training wheels on their bicycles,” namely in playing using the same ultra-forgiving equipment that amateurs use.
It’s not a huge surprise to hear that the Mad Scientist of golf has completely unraveled, but it is news to me.
When I mused in yesterday’s posting that BDC was going backwards in his quest for the swing he wants (the “perfect swing?”), it was simply due to observing him swinging in a way that I was when I had only had two seasons of swing research under my belt.
I don’t know if anyone has seen this clip of Bryson DeChambeau on the range working out after missing the cut.
I have to say, if the stuff below is what he’s working on, it’s no wonder he missed the cut and he’s way off.
I mean, way off.
Spoiler alert, no, I’m not shocked that Bryson DeChambeau’s injury WD in the Saudi event a few weeks ago wasn’t actually caused by a slip and fall while playing Ping Pong.
That was a ridiculous assertion considering his string of WD’s with injuries before the Saudi event, but I’d imagine BDC didn’t want to admit accepting appearance money while not fit to actually play.
There are two issues here – consistency & injury risk.
Taking a look at his latest video proffer, I can’t imagine what it must be like trying to hit a ball at full speed and still having to worry about and perform that leading foot twist through impact.
Update At Bottom
Let me preface this latest BDC offering by saying that anyone with a modicum of understanding of how the body works (which should include anyone who has played sports at a reasonable level, we’re talking high school varsity here) could have seen what was coming.
Even a layman in sports experience (those who participate mainly from a seated observational position) could see what was going to happen.
Someone needs to pull the Mad Scientist aside and tell him he’s going to completely wreck himself if he keeps on his current track.
Someone, anyone – do him that favor and stop him going the way of Tiger Woods.
His impact & follow-through phase are truly, truly nightmarish. Follow me over the break for some scary stuff.
WAX Golf 