The PGA Tour literally can’t keep up with Bryson DeChambeau.
During his three-shot victory in the Rocket Mortgage Classic, the 26-year-old ranked last in proximity to the hole despite leading the field in driving distance and multiple hits won. DeChambeau’s impulses were so long that they counted as approach shots.
ShotLink considers all shots within 30 yards of the putting green as an approach shot. As a result, some of DeChambeau’s booming units counted as ShotLink approaches after they landed just a few clubs from the green, skewing their proximity to hole statistics.
DeChambeau averaged 350.6 yards per tee shot on the two holes the PGA Tour used to officially measure driving distance. That brand broke the ShotLink record, which has been used since 2003. Tiger Woods had the previous record of 341.5, which he achieved at the 2005 British Open.
The DeChambeau, who gained weight (gained 20 pounds during the PGA’s three-month quarantine), has been the subject of golf since the sport returned. He finished in the top 10 in all four events, crowned by his victory in Detroit, and added a bit of controversy after fighting with a cameraman on Saturday.
DeChambeau attempted to drive some of the par 4s, including the 13th for 399 yards. On Sunday, he waited for the group in front of him to clear the green before starting to drive.
“I couldn’t believe I had to do that today on the 13th. I really could have gotten there, unfortunately I did it,” DeChambeau told reporters after his victory. “I don’t do that very often. I hope I can keep that going much later. It was very funny.”
DeChambeau had finished in the top 10 six times in a row, but his improved driving game offered him the winning formula last weekend.
“It has completely changed the way the game is played,” Kevin Kisner told CBS after the Rocket Mortgage Classic.
.
