A few weeks ago we blogged about Scott Fawcett and his Decade system for golfers. Scott is known for a few things, one of the more memorable footnotes is being banned by the NCAA for giving golfers an unfair advantage. At it’s most basic level the Decade system uses advanced statistics to help you navigate the course in a more optimal fashion. One of his former students was Mr. Bryson DeChambeau, although it’s not clear to what extent Bryson ever employed Scott’s approach.
Are there things Bryson’s analytical and unconventional approach can teach us mere mortals? This post attempts to explore that question and delve into the one of a kind mind that is Mr. DeChambeau. So where does one begin? The single length shaft set of irons (equipment)? The claw putter grip (technique)? The black space conjured up in his mind (routine) ? Or who could forget the compass (tools), flag stick in, and side saddle putting (style)?
When we start to categorize Bryon’s habits we notice that he is very much a renaissance golfer. He employees tools, systems, physics, passion, equipment, mental fortitude, experimentation and techniques in a very hard to quantify manner that is no doubt on another level than his colleagues. Does it give him an advantage? Hard to say at this point in his career. It might also be the case that his style simply would not be helpful to you, or me, or the rest of the PGA Tour players.
Bryson’s mind always seems to gravitate to the unexpected choice. A recent ruling allowing flag sticks to stay in the hole has Bryson stating the contrarian position;
“It depends on the COR, the coefficient of restitution of the flag stick. In U.S. Opens, I’ll take it out, and every other Tour event, when it’s fiberglass, I’ll leave it in and bounce that ball against the flag stick if I need to.”
He is ambidextrous and can swing lefty like a champ.
Maybe Bryson’s creativity is a result of a fusion of left and right hemisphere brain wiring? It would be an interesting mind to put under an MRI scan and understand how certain regions work together and react. Who knows what, if any, unusual results it would yield…
Bryson is no doubt hard working and passionate. But so is every other PGA tour player. We all know the saying it’s not about how hard you work but how smart you work. Bryson seems to be able to do both effectively.
What about Bryon’s coach? Mike Schy is responsible for giving him the book “ The Golfing Machine” by Homer Kelley which is the foundation of his single plane swing. He adapted this approach from wedges up through his irons and driver. He has claimed to have read the book no less than 15 times. A used copy will set you back $85. Yikes, I guess word is finally getting out
Bryson has been quoted in interviews saying he is no smarter than the next guy, he just works really hard and tinkers. There are no short cuts to success, but Bryson’s formula is working out exceptionally well and if you take away one thing it would be to experiment more. This is very hard advice because any change in your swing or golfing routine usually sets you back in terms of short term progress and confidence. Sometimes you have to take two steps back to take one forward. Sorry we know this was not the conclusion you wanted to hear or the fairy tale ending that guaranteed your next scratch round.
Below you will find a plethora of links that delve into his ball fitting, breathing, putting and much more – thanks!
Bryson Links
Flag Stick In Quote: http://www.golfwrx.com/533456/bryson-dechambeau-will-leave-the-flag-in-while-he-putts-in-2019/
Decade Golf: https://www.birdiefire.com/players
Hits it Lefty: https://www.golfdigest.com/story/this-video-of-bryson-dechambeau-using-a-left-handed-club-to-hit-a-right-handed-shot-is-mighty-impressive
Pre-shot routine: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VW-6oO8PXVw
Swing Analysis https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sNPlMQmyudU
Golfing Machine book: https://www.amazon.com/Golfing-Machine-Homer-Kelley/dp/0932890059
