Like any competitive golfer, Bryson DeChambeau has set some goals for himself entering the new year.
This one is unlike those of any other competitive golfer, however: a 207-210-mph ball speed.
In an interview with Golf Channel’s Todd Lewis, the reigning U.S. Open champion said, “I had a great year last year, but I said to myself, I still want to get faster. So, every day, I’ve been working hard. I haven’t given up the pursuit of trying to get faster in speed.”
DeChambeau, whose 192.8-mph ball speed with the driver reportedly is the fastest on the PGA Tour, wants to bump it another 15-18 mph. He was speaking this week at Kapalua Resort in Lahaina, Hawaii, site of the Sentry Tournament of Champions, which begins Thursday (tee times).
Knowledge is power. 💪@B_DeChambeau doesn't mind sharing. pic.twitter.com/JXlWFd490N
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) January 6, 2021
DeChambeau, 27, underwent a physical transformation early last year and returned in June from the three-month COVID-19-induced shutdown some 40 pounds heavier, at a muscular 245, on his 6-foot-1-inch frame.
DeChambeau is not benchmarking his progress with his opponents on the PGA Tour but rather against Kyle Berkshire, the 2019 World Long Drive champion.
“It’s interesting to have somebody to look up to in that regard, to try to keep getting faster," he said.
DeChambeau ranks first this season in driving distance on the PGA Tour, at 337.8 yards. He led the Tour in the category last season, at 322.1 yards, one year after ranking 34th, at 302.5.
Kapalua’s Plantation Course, with its firm, wide, and undulating fairways, has been the site of numerous 400-yard drives in recent years during the Tournament of Champions. Don’t be surprised to see DeChambeau launch a few of them, especially if he can top 200 mph in ball speed.
Sign up to receive the Morning Read newsletter, along with Where To Golf Next and The Equipment Insider.
