Bryson DeChambeau declared it is “nice to come back” after losing weight and taking the lead at the US PGA.
The LIV star won his first Major at the 2020 US Open at Winged Foot also in New York State after bulking up during lockdown. A new diet has since seen the Scientist shed his muscular physique and 200mph swing but the American can still play big golf courses.
The former world No.4, who is now ranked world No.214 after wrist surgery and joining the Saudi-backed league, said: “It's been a while. So nice to come back and start to finally figure out what's going on with my golf swing. I am hitting the driver straight, finally.
“There have been a lot of diet changes and eating a lot going down to 5,000 calories down to 2,900. But eating properly instead of eating stuff that inflames my body.
“I was allergic to corn, wheat, gluten, dairy. Pretty much everything I liked, I couldn't eat. I've lost all this inflammation, lost a lot of fat and slimmed down like crazy.
“I lost 18 pounds in 24 days. It was crazy. It wasn't fat. It was all water weight. I was not skinny. I weigh like 210 (15st) to 215. I want to be just stable now. I'm tired of changing, trying different things.”
Despite striking Kenny Pigman with his second shot to the 17th - the PGA professional was standing on the 18th tee - DeChambeau shot six birdies and two bogeys for a stunning 66. The average early score at Oak Hill was 73.
The former world No.4, who is now ranked world No.214 after injury and joining the Saudi-backed league, said: “That was a lot better. It has been tough for me the past four or five years. I did really well at Winged Foot. This golf course feels similar. There were good feelings out there. I drove it phenomenally well today. I learned out there today that I can do it again.”
World No.122 Eric Cole leads on five-under par after 14 holes when play was suspended at 8.30pm on Thursday night. There are three American Major winners - DeChambeau, Dustin Johnson and Scottie Scheffler - all within two shots.
Fellow LIV star Harold Varner is also on the leaderboard after his opening 70. Brooks Koepka, who finished runner-up at the Masters, started with a 72. “That was the worst I've hit it in a long time but scrambled really well,” said the four-time Major winner. “Probably could have shot even but I just didn't have it.”
