A Young Golfer’s Strategy
Anyone who has seen Bryson Dechambeau recognizes how young he is in the professional golfing world. At just 22, he has managed to attract the attention of the golf spectators with his talent. Of course, he is not the only golfer in his 20s to impress those who watch the sport. There are several young people making a name in golf, as is apparent just by looking at the Official World Golf Rankings. However, Dechambeau is different. He is not only a talented, young player, he also uses unconventional methods.
Dechambeau worked throughout his teenage years on making his swing more powerful. He trained under the tutelage of instructor Mike Schy, first focusing on his one-plane swing. As if that were not enough, he eventually started working with David Edel, a well-known clubmaker, to create irons and wedges that are all the same length and weight. Apparently, the clubs all have a head weight of 280 grams, are built with a 6-iron shaft, and measure 37.5 inches.
The creation of these clubs came in part from Dechambeau’s time at Southern Methodist University. He majored in Physics, and used the equation Force=MassxAcceleration to inform his decision. He began to use his custom irons in tournaments in 2011. Of course, all onlookers thought his methods were useless and insane. He remained something of a joke until the year 2015, in which he won the N.C.A.A individual title and the United States Amateur Crown. Only then did people start to think he may actually have a useful strategy. Very soon, Dechambeau will be going pro.
This unwillingness to listen to popular opinion seems to have stuck with him his entire life. Even as a child, it is reported that Dechambeau refused to listen to any naysayers when he decided he wanted to be a professional golfer. Mike Schy, another unconventional soul in the golfing world, took a special interest in him at a young age. Schy continuously focused on how to make the game of golf more efficient and, therefore, easier. The two worked together to try new things and fail until something finally worked. Now, all the work is beginning to pay off.
It is always interesting seeing young golfers make their way into the professional golfing world, however Dechambeau is probably the most interesting young golfer out there. With his custom-made clubs and his can-do attitude, I expect great things from him throughout his professional career.
