Not so long ago, just two years ago, the discipline of longball competitions was in serious jeopardy. When the golf powerhouses emerged from the pandemic and were turned away from the specialty network Golf Channel, they couldn’t see even a short-term future. Then came a certain Bryson DeChambeau in the portrait.
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With an incredible physical metamorphosis during the pandemic, the American Open champion launched long ball competitions in 2020. His presence then put the discipline back in the limelight and attracted the curious.
Back then, how did a select PGA Tour golfer hold his own against gorillas hitting the ball miles in front of him?
In addition to captaining an LIV golf team, the former PGA Tour star and solid batsman also made the switch to another discipline of his sport in 2021: long ball competition. Getty Images via AFP
DeChambeau delighted viewers by retiring from the game and finishing 7th at the 2021 World Championship. When he returned the following year, the one nicknamed “The Scientist” and sometimes “The Mad Scientist” took part in the grand finals, hitting the ball for 406 yards, 20 yards shy of champion Martin Bogmeier.
Regardless, DeChambeau had once again pushed the boundaries. On its last attempt in the finals, the bullet had reached a speed of 217 miles per hour (350 km/h) on impact. A measure that makes it possible to reach enormous distances. However, Bogmeier had the last word.
New era
According to three-time world champion Kyle Berkshire, the presence of the star of professional golf saved the discipline and breathed new energy into it.
Quebecer Gabriel Caron Landry agrees.
“An organized and serious guy like him proved that you can stand out from the crowd with a team. You can follow his formula because it gets results.”
That’s why the 30-year-old has a fitness trainer who put together a program for him to strengthen his legs while remaining as flexible as he is. He also turned to many teachers to technically perfect his swing. However, there are only a few who specialize in this particular area.
“It’s starting to become a good sport,” testifies the colossus, who has been interested in this sport for more than 12 years. ‘Cause we’re gonna tell each other, it wasn’t like that before.
Financially involved
He now hopes that DeChambeau, a true enthusiast of the discipline, is interested in continuing to keep his sport at bay. Especially since one of the main captains of the controversial LIV golf club has made tens of millions of dollars from his lucrative contract.
In addition, the American is one of the co-owners of the Professional Association of “Long Drive” (PLDA), which is now managed by the American company GF Sports & Entertainment. Among other things, the company owns a professional lacrosse franchise in New York, the Riptide, and manages tennis tournaments in Atlanta and Dallas.
With his performance at last year’s world competition, DeChambeau has already secured his ticket to the 2023 edition, which will return to the Golf Channel antenna in October. The total budget is $1.1 million.