In 2020, we prepared for the era of Bryson DeChambeau. The US Open was claimed to be a par 67 instead of Augusta National’s 72, and golfers around the world were trying to emulate this wacky Californian’s boom-and-carve approach.
DeChambeau polarized opinion, but he was a real diatribe in a sport where vanilla is the standout flavor. DeChambeau’s habit of misleading people masked the fact that he always seemed well-intentioned. The Mad Scientist helped sell the sport to the masses. He had a long-running rivalry with Brooks Koepka and publicly berated his own equipment manufacturer during his eight wins on the PGA Tour. Being Bryson seemed exhausting.
Relating to: Masters: Day one at Augusta – live updates
Surprisingly, DeChambeau had faded away before settling atop the leaderboard on day one of the 88th Masters. A great 65 – is that seven under par or two? – served as a timely reminder of his talent. DeChambeau’s move to LIV played a role in lowering his profile. For example, who knew he shot 61 and 58 while winning the rebellion round last August?
The post-round media conference in Augusta was colorful. For example, DeChambeau was asked if he idolizes prominent YouTubers. “I do not idolize anyone other than Allah,” she said. “I love God.” God Almighty will have to make a difficult decision about who should wear the Green Jacket. Scottie Scheffler, who routinely expressed his disbelief, came ominously within touching distance of DeChambeau before the game closed.
Scheffler hides in plain sight after the 66. It may not be wise to back the field against the strong favorite before the tournament. Scheffler holed up in the bunker behind the 12th green to have the highlight of his day. Perhaps equally important were two brave strikes from 80ft to retain parity in the end. The only thing that gives hope to the other 88 players in this field is Scheffler’s shot.
But this felt like DeChambeau’s day. He birdied the first three holes and then kept stepping on the gas pedal rather than hanging on tight. The back nine of 31 secured DeChambeau’s best Augusta performance. This came after he missed back-to-back cuts at the Masters.
“I am a very passionate individual and some people may perceive that in a very negative way,” he said. “Others might take it as, ‘Wow, he’s trying to get his own way.’ I think it’s a pretty big misconception that I’m divisive. I’m really not. I’m not trying to be. It may come out that way because I am passionate about certain things and topics. This is up to interpretation and opinion. I respect everyone’s opinion and opinion. “I understand that the path I pave will be seen in many different ways.”
DeChambeau insisted this was the “golf phase.” I can definitely say the golf phase. I’m trying to be the best golfer I can be.” LIV commissioner Greg Norman watched the Masters leader from outside the ropes.
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Danny Willett’s reputation is extraordinary. The Yorkshireman dropped out of the PGA Championship at Wentworth last September and headed straight for shoulder surgery. Doctors predicted Willett would not play again for 12 to 18 months. By January, the 2016 Masters champion felt he could return to Magnolia Lane. However, he made his final decision about taking his place in the draw here only on Sunday. So far, so good; Willett made a birdie putt in the last row to complete 68. “I think I might take a break for the next six months,” Willett said with a broad smile. “I had no idea what to expect, so it’s always nice to come away with a good score. I could have shot 80, but it was still nice to get up and not be in pain. “It’s pretty nice to be able to play pain-free from where I am.”
Ryan Fox reached minus-five but had a two-shot finish as he closed out six holes. Joaquin Niemann has so far justified the special invitation given to him by Augusta National by scoring 70 points. Niemann was actually down by one point after 12. Matt Fitzpatrick went the other way after hitting shots from a strong position in the 14th, 17th and 18th. under four. Jon Rahm started his defense with 73 points.
Thunderstorms predicted to impact Augusta by Thursday did not arrive, but there was enough rain to delay the start of play by two and a half hours. The knock-on effect of this will see a group of players, including Tiger Woods, return to complete the opening rounds on Friday morning.
Twenty years after his first Masters success, Phil Mickelson opened with a 73. Mickelson’s thoughts turned to DeChambeau, to whom he had been a mentor of sorts throughout his career. “He’s one of the smartest people I know, one of the most talented players I know, and probably one of the hardest workers,” Mickelson said. “He found a way to play golf that was unique and different from anyone I’ve ever seen. He believes and knows that this provides him with opportunities and advantages; He has the determination and self-confidence to not care about what others say, to follow the path he knows is right for him.” Three days from now, DeChambeau will have penned his most epic story yet.