Bryson DeChambeau appears to have learned from mistake that left Rory McIlroy stunned at last year’s Masters
· Yahoo Sports
It was a mixed bag for Bryson DeChambeau over the front nine at Augusta National on Thursday as he kicked off his campaign to try and win The Masters for the first time in his career.
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DeChambeau was the favourite for many heading into the first major of the year. He had won his last two events on LIV Golf, while he had finished inside the top six on his last two visits to Augusta National.
Of course, DeChambeau was in the final group on Sunday 12 months ago, and went on to take the lead after the second hole of the last round. However, that was as good as it got for the two-time US Open champion.
DeChambeau would soon make a mistake that would leave Rory McIlroy stunned.
Bryson DeChambeau appears to have learned from an error during last year’s Masters
DeChambeau’s biggest strength is his driving. And after he seized the initiative with a birdie on the second hole, McIlroy understandably expected DeChambeau to pull the longest club in his bag out for the short par-four third.
However, the Crushers captain opted for an iron, and went on to make a bogey. McIlroy suggested to Fried Egg Golf that felt like a turning point in the battle between the pair.
Photo by Andrew Redington/Getty Images“I could not believe that Bryson laid up. I couldn’t believe it,” he said.
“I didn’t realise, but I know now that is what he has been doing all week, especially to left pins but I thought with how firm the greens were, it was hard to get a wedge shot close anyway and I thought he had a chance to drive it on the green. I did not think I could quite get there, but I thought he had a chance.
“He had just got one ahead, I felt like even though it was early in the round, if he were to take driver out there and hit it on the green, it really is like taking the tournament by the scruff of the neck.”
A high point in a scratchy nine holes at Augusta National for Bryson DeChambeau
It must be noted that DeChambeau did use a driver off that tee twice that week. He made a birdie on Thursday and a bogey in the third round.
But his more conservative approach did not work on Sunday. And it clearly gave McIlroy a boost as he looked to recover from such a nervy start.
It would appear that DeChambeau has learned his lesson this time around.
The 32-year-old’s only birdie on the front nine on Thursday this year came on the third hole. DeChambeau hit his drive up towards the green before producing a superb chip shot.
Obviously, it remains to be seen what club he chooses to hit over the remainder of his week. But those hoping to see DeChambeau contend this week will be keen for the LIV star to continue to be aggressive on the third.