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Despite opening 66, Bryson DeChambeau ‘agitated’ with his ‘B-game’

15 hours ago Golf External News, , , ,

“Sorry, Mr. Ross.”

Yeah, right

Two days after entertaining media with that amusing crack, Bryson DeChambeau showed little contrition dismantling the Donald Ross layout Thursday at the aptly named Rocket Mortgage Classic. He showed little remorse blowing so many drives over the bunkers Ross intended to defend his design.

DeChambeau filled the sky over Detroit Golf Club with one missile after another while getting into early contention.

He slammed seven drives of more than 340 yards on his way to a 6-under 66 that left him one shot behind the leaders, Kevin Kisner, Doc Redman and Scott Stallings.


BY Associated Press


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Doc Redman shot a 7-under 65 on Thursday to share the first-round lead with Scott Stallings and Kevin Kisner in the Rocket Mortgage Classic.

DeChambeau launched a 376-yard drive at the 14th hole, setting up eagle there.

He beat that with a 377-yard drive at the 17th, where he made birdie.

He averaged a staggering 345 yards per drive on the back nine.

Still, the round of eight birdies, an eagle and four bogeys didn’t satisfy him.

It wasn’t good enough.

“I’m, again, trying to be the casino and give myself the best opportunity to win,” he said.

That’s why he called his effort a “B-game” afterward.

“It’s not 100 percent, but it’s not bad, either,” he said.

The numbers he is popping into ShotLink continue to be head spinning. His ball speed hitting driver reached 196.8 miles per hour at 14th.

He’s like a tank equipped with a Ferrari engine.

He left himself a 9-iron into more than one par 5.

He leads the field in strokes gained: putting and is second in strokes gained: off the tee.

Rocket Mortgage Classic: Full-field scores | Full coverage

Still, this 26-year-old won’t be satisfied until he has turned his grand experiment into a victory.

After putting on 40 pounds of strategic girth since last fall, and remaking his technique to harness the new-found power, he has yet to win. He has yet to claim his sixth PGA Tour title, his first since the fall of 2018, but he has been knocking hard on the door since the PGA Tour’s restart a month ago. He has racked up T-3, T-8 and T-6 finishes over the last three weeks. He has put up scores of 66 or better over the last 13 rounds, but he isn’t “The Casino” yet.

That’s why missing six fairways and four greens was still bugging him when he left scoring following Thursday’s round.

“Very frustrated about some of the decisions we made and some of the shots I executed,” DeChambeau said. “I just felt like I hit really good shots that just didn’t get rewarded today. Driver got a little wayward a couple holes. Need to go clean that up, like always.”

Flying the 18th green with a wedge and closing with a bogey particularly bothered him.

“That really got me a little agitated,” DeChambeau said. “It’s going to put a little fire in my belly for tomorrow. I feel like I’m in a good place. It’s fun to be able to play good golf not having your A game.”

DeChambeau left the course motivated to find that next level.

“I’m always trying to find a little something to make me hit it more consistently straight, but if I can keep hitting it straight, hitting some greens and making the putts like I am, it’s going to be a fun week,” he said.




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PGA Tour adjusts stipend program for players, caddies with COVID-19

1 day ago Golf External News, , , , , , ,

The PGA Tour continues to make adjustments to its health and safety protocols following another week of positive COVID-19 tests.

In a memo sent to players Wednesday, the Tour adjusted its stipend program for players and caddies who have tested positive for the coronavirus.

“In an effort to further encourage players and caddies to utilize the [at-home test], two significant changes are being made to the stipend program,” the memo read.

To be eligible for the stipend, players and caddies returning from an off week had to have taken the at-home tests, which are provided by the Tour. The stipend for those who test positive was also adjusted to be the same for an at-home or on-site positive test.


BY Randall Mell


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Nobody in golf is under more unrelenting pressure to succeed than PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan. If he wins at managing COVID-19 on Tour, we all win.

PGA Tour players who test positive while at a tournament will now receive $75,000, down from $100,000, while an at-home positive result was increased from $10,000 to a $75,000 stipend.

The stipend for Tour caddies was also adjusted from $1,500 for an at-home positive to $5,000, the same as the stipend is for an on-site positive.

Players and caddies were also reminded that anyone who doesn’t follow the Tour’s safety protocols “or otherwise acts in a reckless manner with respect to the protocols” will not be eligible for the stipend in the case of a positive test.


BY Rex Hoggard


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Nick Watney’s time in self-isolation is over. And as the first PGA Tour player to test positive for COVID-19, he shares what he’s learned about the virus and the Tour’s safety plans.

The memo also outlines the need for players and caddies to be tested immediately if they are identified during contact tracing after a positive test, even if that means being told during an official round.

Prior to the second round of the RBC Heritage, Nick Watney tested positive and Luke List and Vaughn Taylor, who were paired with Watney on Day 1 at Harbour Town, were notified during contact tracing midway through their second round.

“It was hard to concentrate out there for me, just thinking about different stuff, and I wasn’t playing my best anyway,” List said. “It would be nice if they had an option you can kind of say if you want to know or not in a situation like that. I would definitely like to find out after the round next time.”

Players wouldn’t be tested in the middle of a round but they need to be told “to ensure he takes every precaution related to social distancing and other protocols out of an abundance of caution for himself, his caddie and other individuals in his group.”




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Bryson DeChambeau on his newfound distance: ‘Sorry, Mr. Ross’

2 days ago Golf External News, , , ,

Playing for the fourth week in a row and riding a streak of top-10 finishes, Bryson DeChambeau has no plans to slow down his aggressive approach this week at the Rocket Mortgage Classic.

DeChambeau will tee off as the betting favorite at Detroit Golf Club, having turned newfound weight into added distance and lower scores. He’ll be chugging protein shakes and eating plenty of steak and potatoes this week in the Motor City, where he also expects to lean on his driver to carve up an old-school, Donald Ross layout.

DeChambeau is second in driving distance this season, averaging more than 320 yards, and he expects that trend to continue on a layout that has plenty of tree-lined fairways but few penalty areas in play.

Golf Pick ‘Em Expert Picks: Webb or Bryson at Rocket Mortgage?

Golf Pick 'Em Expert Picks: Webb or Bryson at Rocket Mortgage?

“I haven’t played both sides yet, so seems like it’s fairly tight, a lot of rough,” DeChambeau said. “I think there’s a lot of bunkers that are around like 290 (yards), so hopefully I’ll be able to clear those and take those out of play. So, sorry, Mr. Ross, but, you know, it is what it is.”

DeChambeau’s unapologetic tone comes as no surprise as he looks to continue a run of six straight top-10 finishes that dates back to Riviera in February. It’ll be his first look at Ross’ handiwork in Detroit, which dates back to 1899. After last year’s ultra-low scores and 25-under winning total, it seems likely that his aggressive strategy will pay ample dividends, rough or no rough.

“I like the style of courses. It just seems to fit me. They’re like country club style,” DeChambeau said. “I grew up on Belmont Country Club, which is very similar to that style of course, so I’m comfortable with it. I really enjoy those types of courses, and I feel like I thrive on them, so this course is no different.”




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Harris English tests positive for COVID-19, WDs from Rocket Mortgage

3 days ago Golf External News, , , , , , ,

Harris English is the fifth player to test positive for COVID-19 since the PGA Tour’s return earlier this month.

According to the PGA Tour, English tested positive in the pre-screening process ahead of the Rocket Mortgage Classic and he has withdrawn from the event.

“I feel healthy,” English said. “I’m pleased that the new safety protocols we have in place worked this week. I fully support the Tour’s new rule of not allowing anyone on the tournament grounds until testing negative, as protecting others in the field and everyone affiliated with the tournament and the community should be the No. 1 priority as a result of a positive test.

“I appreciate the Tour’s support and I look forward to competing again after I’m fully recovered.”

Hoggard: Updates on players affected by positive COVID-19 test results

Rex Hoggard shares updates on PGA Tour players affected by positive Covid-19 test results.

English did not compete in the Travelers Championship last week and will now be in self-isolation as recommended by the CDC.

Nick Watney, Cameron Champ, Denny McCarthy and Dylan Frittelli round out the five players who have tested positive on the PGA Tour since June 11. 




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Dustin Johnson once again proves he’s the most consistent winner on Tour

4 days ago Golf External News, , , , , ,

Dustin Johnson’s stoic demeanor didn’t give much insight into what turned out to be a tumultuous finish at the Travelers Championship.

Without fans present to inject emotion into the homestretch at the Travelers Championship, and with a one-hour rain delay zapping any momentum that may have existed, Johnson was left to saunter around TPC River Highlands and tap in on the 72nd hole to clinch his first win in more than a year. But it was hardly a stress-free experience.

Johnson started the day two shots behind Brendon Todd, but by the time the final group arrived to the 13th tee it seemed like Johnson’s tournament to lose. What followed was a white-knuckle finish for the former world No. 1: a drive out of bounds on No. 13, a pitch with both feet in the water on No. 15, a short-sided miss on No. 16. It eliminated his margin for error, but ultimately Johnson did just enough to edge Kevin Streelman by a shot.

“This was big because I hadn’t played very well,” Johnson said. “But I put in a lot of good work the last couple weeks after Colonial, and so it’s nice to see the game just start coming around.”

Slumps take on all different shapes and sizes depending on level of talent. For a player of Johnson’s caliber, a lull might be a career year for many others. But he hadn’t won since the WGC-Mexico Championship more than 16 months ago, and this week he teed off ranked outside the top 5 in the world for the first time since his U.S. Open triumph.

A Saturday 61 vaulted him into contention, and now he has extended a remarkable streak. Johnson has won at least once during every PGA Tour season since his rookie year in 2008, with the lone caveat that he didn’t win in 2014 but kept the streak alive with a victory at the WGC-HSBC Champions in the fall portion of the 2013-14 season.


BY Nick Menta


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With a final-round 67, Dustin Johnson made it more interesting than he needed to but nonetheless added the Travelers to his list of 21 PGA Tour titles.

“Winning the U.S. Open at Oakmont is my biggest win for sure. But winning 13 (seasons) straight on the Tour is a pretty big accomplishment,” Johnson said. “You know, they’re pretty close with what I’m most proud of.”

Johnson’s wayward drive on No. 13 ultimately cost him only a shot, one that he got back with a birdie on the next hole. His drive on the short 15th appeared headed for the water but somehow stayed dry, leading to a scrambling par that maintained his two-shot lead when weather halted play. He made a bogey and two pars once play resumed, signing for a 3-under 67 to finish the week at 19 under.

Johnson was slowed by knee surgery last fall, failing to make an official start between the Tour Championship and the Sentry Tournament of Champions. He was a runner-up in Saudi Arabia but has been otherwise quiet this year, including a missed cut at Colonial and a T-17 finish last week at the RBC Heritage.

Travelers Championship: Full-field scores | Full coverage

But it took only one swing to remind the world of how much potential sits inside a man who now counts only Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson as active players with more PGA Tour victories. Nursing a one-shot lead on the narrow final hole, Johnson uncorked a 351-yard drive that split the fairway and essentially ended the tournament.

He may not have received many headlines in recent weeks, and his blood pressure may not have spiked despite some drama down the closing stretch, but Johnson showed once again why he remains the Tour’s most consistent winner, and a player who can keep the field at bay on any type of venue.

The victory streak lives on, and when asked by a reporter if he has ever had an “entire season of bad golf,” Johnson offered a telling reply.

“I don’t think so,” he said. “And I hope I don’t start anytime soon.”




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Third win of season could put Brendon Todd in driver’s seat for Player of the Year

5 days ago Golf External News, , , , , , , ,

Brendon Todd is just the kind of guy to take charge with all hell breaking loose.

This is a player who has proven he knows how to safely navigate his way through chaos.

So, it’s fitting Todd didn’t just seize the lead going into Sunday’s final round of the Travelers Championship with the PGA Tour playing its way through the coronavirus pandemic. It’s fitting a victory would set Todd up for a run at Player of the Year honors.

With so much uncertainty continuing to shroud the PGA Tour’s restart, Todd marched resolutely to the top of the leaderboard Saturday with a 9-under 61. At 18 under overall, he’s two shots ahead of Dustin Johnson, the former world No. 1, who also put up a 61 in the third round.


BY Nick Menta


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Brendon Todd leads the Travelers Championship by two over Dustin Johnson after a third round that saw both men sign for career-low rounds of 61.

Todd and Johnson will go off together in Sunday’s final pairing.

Their resumes sharply contrast as PGA Tour winners.

Johnson has won in each of his first 12 seasons on Tour, joining Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods as the only players to do so. He’s looking to extend that with his first victory this season.

While Johnson has never really had a bad year since joining the Tour as a rookie, Todd has endured more than a few.

Twice, he has played his way out of career-threatening swoons.

Todd had to overcome one long slump to break through and win his first PGA Tour title at the Byron Nelson Championship in 2014, only to sink into another more maddening battle with the ball-striking yips. He had to fight his way through that before bouncing back to win in back-to-back starts last fall.

Travelers Championship: Full-field scores | Full coverage

Now, Todd, 34, is in position to become the first three-time PGA Tour winner this season.

After missing back-to-back cuts at the Charles Schwab Challenge and the RBC Heritage in the PGA Tour’s restart this month, Todd figured he was sitting pretty this week.

“It seems like since the fall, whenever I get a two- or three-week stretch in a row, I tend to be playing better by the end of it,” Todd said. “That’s just something I’m using to my advantage now, after missing two cuts.

“I’m peaking in the third week, and, hopefully, I can get it done tomorrow.”

Hey, this is a guy who started this season with four consecutive missed cuts before coming back to win the Bermuda Championship and Mayakoba Classic in those back-to-back starts last fall.

“A year ago, I wasn’t sure if I was going to keep playing,” he said after winning the Bermuda Championship.

“It’s incredible,” he said after winning the Mayakoba Classic.

Lost in the fog of ball-striking yips after his 2014 victory, Todd had plummeted to as low as 2,043 in the world rankings. This was amid missing 37 cuts in a run of 41 events between 2016 and ‘18.

Todd got some big help fixing his swing from Australian coach Brad Hughes, and now he is bidding for his fourth PGA Tour title.

He’s doing it with golf’s version of small ball.

With so much focus on how Bryson DeChambeau’s growing size and power threaten to make short hitters even more irrelevant on Tour, Todd’s evidence to the contrary. He’s 222nd in driving distance on Tour this season, averaging 279.1 yards per drive. That’s 41 yards per drive behind DeChambeau.


BY Randall Mell


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Sporting another new putter this week at the Travelers Championship, Dustin Johnson carded a career-best 61 on Saturday to vault into contention.

Todd didn’t seem daunted seeing Johnson, another long hitter, going low a couple groups ahead of him Saturday. In fact, he said he was motivated.

“It’s hard to miss the leaderboards,” Todd said. “So, his name was up there from a pretty early point. Again, I just use it as motivation to go out there and make some more birdies.”

Todd’s looking forward to matching up with Johnson.

“He’s easy to play with, nice guy, doesn’t show too much emotion out there,” Todd said. “So, I think we’re going to have a really good time and probably a really good battle. It seems like he’s starting to play really well and make some putts, and we’re both kind of peaking this week, at the same time.”

It’s Todd’s chance to see if this crazy season may just belong to him.




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