Bryson DeChambeau, aka “The Scientist” for his golf lab nerd approach to the game, is dialing in his sticks. He is preparing for his ninth consecutive appearance at the Masters. The 29-year-old, a physics undergrad, spent Tuesday like so many pro athletes — at the driving range. Arnold became obsessed with finding the right driver head.
DeChambeau’s undeterred, his pursuit of perfection a constant. He works furiously, taking his red Sharpie and making notes on the bottom of each driver head. He doggedly touted the strides he was making. He told me he is getting as “super close” to finding that ideal balance and fit for his interactive playing style. The first-year LIV Golf tour player is looking to improve on his career-best showing at the Masters a year ago. He went on to tie for sixth place after a brilliant opening round of 65.
DeChambeau’s hot streak started with his fifth-place finish in Miami last week. He has no doubts that he is going in the right direction as he prepares for the highly regarded event. He’ll need that momentum, as he can’t bide any longer for his first Masters triumph following a few near misses in previous seasons.
“But for my speeds, it’s just so tedious, and they have to be so precisely measured and defined… I’m swinging it really good right now, so I’m just trying to get the most precise thing in my hand for this week.” – Bryson DeChambeau
Now DeChambeau understands that taming his nerves is as important as creating better gear. Looking back on his previous outings, he said realizing nerves would be a big factor in how well he performed.
“As an amateur I felt like I knew the golf course pretty well, but I didn’t know how to control a lot of the nerves that flowed through my body,” – Bryson DeChambeau
He is still finding ways to combat anxiety when it comes to pressure-filled scenarios. His determination to get better is true, clearly after saying he was scared going into the last round of play last week.
“That was something that I still work on today. Even last week, I felt nerves going into Sunday, and I’m learning how to control that better and better each time.” – Bryson DeChambeau
He emphasized the importance of facing one’s fears and tapping into adrenaline during competitive play.
“But ultimately you’ve got to get up there and face the fear of those nerves, of that adrenaline going through your body and going, OK, I’m all right, how do I take control of this in the best way I possibly can,” – Bryson DeChambeau
Still, as he prepares for the Masters, DeChambeau continues to earnestly commit himself to perfecting his craft. Along the way, he hones his strategy and mind game.
“That’s the best piece of advice I could give someone. It’s skill set, breathing, and then you’ve got to let go.” – Bryson DeChambeau
He further added that the tough test conditions of last week were actually the best thing to prepare them for the Masters.
“Last week, the winds were blowing 20 miles an hour at the Blue Monster, and I told myself to be patient, it’s great prep work for this week,” – Bryson DeChambeau
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