Bryson DeChambeau’s Unusual Strategy: Blamed for Loss to McIlroy
Bryson DeChambeau was poised to challenge Rory McIlroy for the Green Jacket on Sunday, but quickly faded from contention, finishing four shots behind the eventual winner. DeChambeau struggled with three-putts and hit the water twice during his final round 75.
Amidst expectations that DeChambeau would be the one to challenge McIlroy during their pairing, DeChambeau faltered drastically more than McIlroy on Sunday. After the round, DeChambeau was in the news for suggesting McIlroy didn’t acknowledge him throughout their round together.
Three-time Major champion Padraig Harrington, speaking on the Indo Sport podcast, was perplexed by DeChambeau’s comments. Harrington suggested that DeChambeau’s inexplicable change in approach on Sunday, from his signature aggressive strategy to laying up, was due to an identity crisis.
“What was Bryson looking for? Who was he looking to be?” Harrington questioned.
Harrington went on to say, “Not to digress here, but without a doubt the biggest strategy change was Bryson. He had made his game by hitting driver, being aggressive. He laid up off the third hole while he had a one-shot lead! He had changed his personality completely.”
Harrington asserted that DeChambeau’s loss in the US Open had a lasting effect on him, as he didn’t want to be known as a golfer who gets it up and down and can play from everywhere. Instead, DeChambeau was looking to be known as a clever golfer with finesse, which doesn’t align with his identity.
Despite DeChambeau’s comments, Harrington concluded by giving credit to McIlroy’s performance, saying, “Rory saw him layup a driver. It was weird, but Rory was the better player on that day. I congratulate Rory and I hope Bryson comes back firing at the next major.”
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Paddraig Harrington’s candid analysis of DeChambeau’s unusual approach on Sunday and his stated identity crisis post-round offer valuable insights into the mindset of golf’s most controversial current superstar. As McIlroy continues to pile up accolades and Grand Slam titles, DeChambeau must reconsider whether his efforts to distinguish himself with a different style risk sending his career off track.