Rory McIlroy has questioned whether Bryson DeChambeau’s brute-force success in winning his first Major at the US Open is right for the game of golf.
The heavy-hitting DeChambeau only made 23 fairways during the course of the four rounds, but still proved victorious as the only man under par on the final day.
“I don’t really know what to say, because that’s just the complete opposite of what you think a
US Open champion does,” said McIlroy. “He’s found a way to do it.
“Whether that’s good or bad for the game, I don’t know, but it’s just not the way I saw this golf course being played or this tournament being played. It’s kind of hard to really wrap my head around it.”
DeChambeau bulked up sizeably during lockdown, putting on more than three stone — mostly muscle — by consuming up to six protein shakes a day in a bid to power his way to the top of the game.
And after reaping the rewards, McIlroy, who finished in the top 10, said: “I think it’s brilliant, but I think he’s taken advantage of where the game is at the minute. I’m not saying that’s right or wrong.”
Following his maiden Major win, DeChambeau predicted budding golfers would copy his approach to the game. He said: “I hope that inspires people to say, ‘Hey, look, that’s a different way to do it’. Hopefully, my way inspires people. I think I’m definitely changing the way people think about the game.”
