Bryson DeChambeau has a backpack full of driver heads with him this week at Augusta National. The reigning U.S. Open champion leads the field in driving distance by a whopping 15 yards in the opening round of the Masters, average 340.5.
Will he keep that driver head for Round 2?
“Who knows,” said DeChambeau after an opening 3-under 69 that that included seven birdies and four bogeys. He currently sits in a share of fifth on the leaderboard, four strokes behind leader Justin Rose.
DeChambeau, who noted that a bogey frees him up from trying to play perfect golf, said he missed it in the right spots on a picture perfect day amongst the Georgia pines.
In the run-up to Round 1, DeChambeau hit 393 balls on the range Tuesday. The Masters Tournament took range viewing to a new level this year by offering analytics from early-week practice sessions. DeChambeau hit 146 more golf balls than the next closest player, Max Homa, who clocked in at 247 strikes.
“I’ve got equipment that works a lot more than what I used to have,” said DeChambeau, “and I feel like now I’m in a place that, I’m in a mindset – more of a mindset where I feel a lot more patient.
“I think that pays dividends out here when it’s a really windy day or even a perfect day.”
DeChambeau, enamored by golden hour at Augusta, then gushed to reporters as he capped off his post-round presser.
“I mean, look at it,” he continued, “it’s just perfect. It’s beautiful. I’m enjoying this right now. I’m sorry. I appreciate the questions, but it’s beautiful right now. Look at that. It’s glowing.”
Then, to the surprise of no one, one of golf’s great tinkerers, headed to the range.
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