With three wins in his last five events, Bryson DeChambeau has gone from being golf’s mad scientist to perhaps the best player on the planet. And now, with a resurgent Tiger Woods in the mix, DeChambeau is excited to go head-to-head with the game’s biggest star.
Since turning pro in 2016, DeChambeau, known for his one-length Cobra irons and his propensity for his interest in the science and physics of the game, hasn’t really had the opportunity to challenge Woods, who spent much of the past few years dealing with injuries. But now that Tiger’s returned, DeChambeau is ready and anxious. The pair will play this week in the Bahamas at Tiger’s Hero World Challenge, the tournament that Tiger’s latest comeback started one year ago.
From Justin Thomas to Dustin Johnson, from Francesco Molinari to Rory McIlroy, professional men’s golf is at a level of competition never previously witnessed, DeChambeau says.
“This is as healthy as golf has ever been and a lot of that has to do with Tiger,” DeChambeau told Golf Town. “There are not many scenes where you have a whole crowd busting through the ropes to go watch Tiger and get around him as close as possible.”
Of course, DeChambeau is referring to the final round of the Tour Championship in Atlanta, when Tiger’s victory inspired the crowd to incredible levels of adulation.
“That was a unique situation that golf will forever cherish because that’s what he’s meant to the sport,” DeChambeau explained. “I don’t know sometimes if he thinks he’s meant that much to the game. But he means every bit to every player out here on tour, and every amateur in the world.”
DeChambeau’s affection for the nuances of equipment and ball flight are notorious. His one-length clubs, using shafts the same length as a 7-iron throughout his set, have made him instantly recognizable, and Cobra creates versions of the clubs aimed at the average player.
He’s also been chastised for taking his interest in the science of the sport too far—he famously was rebuked for using a compass on the course last year, while other pundits thought spritzing a golf ball with water to measure the impact wet conditions have on his ball flight might be taking it just a bit too far.
But one thing is certain—he’s always wanted to test his game against a healthy Tiger Woods, something he’s finally getting the opportunity to do.
“It is an incredible opportunity—I’ve always wanted that opportunity,” DeChambeau says. “Growing up I’d always make a putt to try to beat Tiger Woods. It was just a thought and dream, and now it is starting to become a reality.”
What’s in the bag: Bryson DeChambeau
Driver: Cobra King F9 SPEEDBACK 7 degrees (available January 18)
3 wood: Cobra King LTD 3/4 14.5 degrees
5 wood: Cobra King F8+ Baffler 17.5 degrees
Irons (4-5): Cobra King One Length Utility
Irons (6-PW): Cobra King Forged One Length 37.5 inches
Wedges: Cobra King V Grind 50 degrees and King WideLow Grind 55 degrees and 60° all 37.5 inches Temper X7 shafts
Putter: Sik blade
Ball: Bridgestone TOUR B X