Bryson DeChambeau’s history with Augusta National is complex.
His long driving style should make him a brilliant fit for the golf course, as he can reach every par five in two, and give himself wedges into greens where others are hitting mid irons. Distance is a crucial skill set for The Masters, and DeChambeau has that in abundance.
But in truth, he didn’t give Augusta National the respect needed for him to win a Green Jacket. DeChambeau famously called the golf course a par 67 because of his ability to reach all of the par fives, and Augusta repaid him with no top 20 in his first seven appearances at The Masters.
He has changed his fortunes in the last two years, however, finishing T6 and T5, and his recent comments about the golf course show exactly why.
Bryson DeChambeau stresses the importance of patience at Augusta National
Jack Nicklaus, who won The Masters a record six times, said the best way to play Augusta is to be patient and hit the middle of the greens. That was not DeChambeau’s approach at the beginning of his career, but that has since changed.
Speaking before this year’s tournament, the two-time US Open winner said, “There is a sense of obedience that you kind of have to have out here, I have to agree with that. But it truly is patience because it gives you the opportunity to go for it.
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“It makes you feel like — Dr. MacKenzie and Mr. Jones, obviously, had this want to design golf courses in a way where they pulled you in and made you want to go for the flag even though you probably shouldn’t.
“I think that’s where the greats of the game and the legends of the game have learned to be patient, and you said obedient, I guess that’s a word you could use. But really patient and hit the center of the green. When Jack says that, especially with what he’s done for the game of golf, you listen.”
DeChambeau adhered to this message for 54 holes last year before his iron play cost him down the stretch. But it sounds like he’s learned his lesson and is finally ready to win his first Green Jacket.
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DeChambeau has been among the favorites to win The Masters on several occasions in his career, but he said his approach to the course has really cost him. He said he’s now learned his lesson, and is ready to play the course the right way:
“I think focusing on hitting the bigger parts of the greens, making sure I’m missing it in the right places to certain flags is really what’s adjusted my mindset in a positive way.
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“In times past, I’d just be going right for the flag, and it quite honestly would get me in a lot of trouble. I feel like I have my golf swing a little bit more under control than I have in years past, last year definitely until the last couple of rounds, when it started to go a little awry.
“I think I know what that is now, and hopefully I can overcome that. But from a strategic perspective, it’s more of mentally focusing on where to be and being more patient in a sense, not going after everything.”
Ahead of his 10th Masters, DeChambeau sounds ready to lean on his experience to expertly navigate this iconic course.
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