The breathless coverage of Bryson DeChambeau (yes, we’re guilty, too) has at times warranted, well, an eye-roll. But on Friday at the 2021 Ryder Cup, the American star quickly reminded everyone why he’s always worth watching.
On his opening shot of his first match of the event, DeChambeau drilled a spectator with a wild drive. Then proceeded to hit a ridiculous flop shot to set up a birdie. But that had nothing on what he did four holes later.
The par-5 fifth hole at Whistling Straits is a 600-yard beast that zig-zags around a water hazard. But if you’re Bryson, apparently you just aim about 100 yards right and take that hazard over play. The result was stunning. Have a look at Bryson’s line (the one on the right, duh) vs the line taken by a mere mortal, teammate Scottie Scheffler:
My. Word.
Even crazier is the fact the Golf Channel feed didn’t show the mighty clout. Seriously. Not sure what happened there, but they did show this graphic that shows where his ball wound up!
Again, ridiculous. And thankfully, the Sky Sports feed showed it (scross down to where it says “stay for the 417-yard drive”!):
Not quite 500 yards, but 417 isn’t too shabby. Oh, yeah! The best part! Moments later, Bryson hit his approach pitch shot on the par 5 to about three feet to set up what has to be the easiest eagle in Ryder Cup history. That’s just not fair.
If Bryson can continue to harness his power like this, it’s a great sign for Team USA. And, of course, for DeChambeau. After all, he’s got a big long drive competition next week.
