The news which ‘broke’ Bryson DeChambeau immediately after he won his first PGA Tour event in 2017

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Bryson DeChambeau’s first career win came during the 2017 John Deere Classic at TPC Deere Run.

After DeChambeau turned professional in 2016, the highly-thought-of youngster had to wait over a year for his maiden victory.

Starting the final round playing catch-up, DeChambeau made seven birdies, including one on the 72nd hole, to claim victory. Patrick Rodgers began the day in pole position but eventually finished one shot back after carding a disappointing one-under 70.

During his post-round press duties, DeChambeau displayed a natural mix of excitement and emotion. The 23-year-old was particularly taken aback by a notable piece of Payne Stewart information he learned that day.

The Payne Stewart news which ‘broke’ Bryson DeChambeau after first PGA Tour win

DeChambeau was informed that Payne Stewart’s first PGA Tour victory came during the 1982 Miller High Life QCO, which was a previous iteration of the John Deere Classic.

“Yeah, feels like it’s been a long time coming, even though I’m 23. It’s pretty special to win here at the John Deere. Didn’t know Payne Stewart’s first win was here, and that broke me,” DeChambeau said.

“God bless him. He’s done some amazing things for the game of golf, and I hope I can do something similar down the road.”

During his time on the PGA Tour, DeChambeau famously donned a flat cap to honour Stewart and Ben Hogan.

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What Bryson DeChambeau did for Payne Stewart at the 2024 US Open

Just months after his 1999 US Open at Pinehurst, Stewart tragically passed away in a plane crash whilst travelling from Orlando to Dallas.

The news shocked the golfing world, and it’s clear Stewart’s career had a marked impact on DeChambeau’s formative days.

So much so that during the 2024 US Open at Pinehurst, DeChambeau attached a flat cap to his bag and dedicated his second major title to Stewart and his late father.

“Unfortunately, my dad passed a couple of years ago, and this one is for him,” DeChambeau said.

“Also to Payne Stewart. He’s the reason I went to SMU (Southern Methodist University, Stewart’s alma mater), the reason I wore the peaked cap. It’s with me and makes me think of him every time I’m walking on these grounds. “He’s meant a lot to me in the game.”