Bryson Watch
With new irons in the bag, Bryson DeChambeau's sharp chipping takes him into co-lead at LIV Virginia
Bryson DeChambeau hits a drive at LIV Golf Virginia. (Photo courtesy of LIV Golf)
LIV Golf is only one round into its Virginia tournament and already Bryson DeChambeau is showing signs his short game is ready for next week’s likely brutal U.S. Open examination at Oakmont after an incredible three-hole stretch Friday gave him a share of the lead.
With an opening five-under 66, DeChambeau co-led at Robert Trent Jones Golf Club with two-time major winner Martin Kaymer, with the pair being closely trailed by two other major champions, Phil Mickelson and Graeme McDowell, along with Marc Leishman, Anirban Lahiri and Joaquin Niemann.
DeChambeau, who will defend his U.S. Open title next week, managed almost 14 holes on Friday before play was suspended for 107 minutes due to weather. On his first shot after play resumed, DeChambeau chipped in for eagle at the 615-yard par-5 14th.
“I got some treatment on my feet; I don't know, just ate a little bit of food, some pasta,” DeChambeau said.
“Man, what's nice is coming out into some soft conditions,” he added. “That little chip shot became a helluva lot easier for me. So I just chipped it out to the right, exactly what I saw [happening]. I don't know if you saw, but I was studying it before I left [for the delay]. I was, like, this looks perfect; came out, still looks perfect, hit it exactly where I wanted it to land, and it went right in the frickin' hole.”
At the very next hole, the 466-yard par-4 15th, DeChambeau made light work with a 359-yard drive and a wedge to make another birdie.
Then, at the par-3 16th, DeChambeau air-mailed the green before pitching out of the rough and into the hole for another birdie.
DeChambeau said it was lucky his short game showed up as he was struggling with his putting early in the round. “I didn't calculate the speed right; the [practice] putting green was just a fraction slower, and I just didn't adjust to it very well. So I sucked at that.”
On Friday, DeChambeau also debuted a new set of custom irons from LA Golf, the BAD V3-W (5-9). He had been using 3D-printed Avoda Golf prototype irons since last year’s Masters, but tested the LA Golf set at the Asian Tour’s International Series India earlier this year.
He said on Golf Digest’s equipment podcast that the new clubs were designed by him and Jeff Meyer, the LA Golf chief design officer. “We were hands on, went through the whole process, testing, researching,” DeChambeau said. “You’re going to see something special that no other OEM is doing.”
DeChambeau has been seriously contending in majors the past two years but, apart from Pinehurst last year, has struggled with his iron play. He played in the final group in this year’s Masters alongside eventual winner Rory McIlroy, but struggled to a T-5 after losing almost a shot per round in approach play, according to strokes-gained data. At the PGA Championship at Quail Hollow, he earned a second consecutive T-2 at the event but again his iron play was the Achilles' heel.