I put my golf balls in Epsom salt. Essentially we float golf balls in a solution to make sure the golf ball is not out of balance.” Bryson de Chambeau
The best of the best always have something more up their sleeve when it comes to innovating for a sustainable competitive advantage- where the fine lines are the difference between winning and losing.
For Bryson de Chambeau it has been a year of complete re invention since joining LIV GOLF. (a 54 hole tournament)
Now he has added a second US OPEN TITLE to his impressive career and he has been open to share some of his success with reporters.
During his second US OPEN victory, the American elaborated on his habit of salting his golf balls before playing, just another aspect of his analytical approach to the game which has earned him the nickname of “The Scientist.”
His manager, Connor, was in charge of salting the golf balls, DeChambeau explained, to find out “how much out of balance” they were.
“There’s always going to be an error, especially when it’s a sphere and there’s dimples on the edges,” he added. “You can’t perfectly get it in the centre.”
The heavy side of the golf ball sinks to the bottom, DeChambeau physics major – said, and then “we mark the top with a dot to make sure it’s always rolling over itself.”
If the weight of the ball is off-centre, it can affect its trajectory, though DeChambeau added that for most of the golf balls he gets “it’s not really that big of a deal” and was more of a “big thing back in the day.”
According to the 30-year-old, the process is designed to identify balls whose centre of gravity is not in the middle, and to determine how much this issue will affect their flight when he takes a shot
Nonetheless, he said it was part of his preparation to be “as precise as possible” and “one more step that I do to make sure my golf ball flies as straight as it can possibly fly because I’m not that great at hitting it that straight.”
It’s obviously helping as deChambeau dominated the weekend with superbly accurate long driving and ball striking.
Having Bryson and Rory at the top of the leader board over the whole past weekend has added an additional element of intrigue on controversy – Bryson being the mouth piece for LIV (54holes) and Rory the controversial mouth piece for PGA.(72holes).
The perfect play out at Pinehurst Two. A dramatic play out.
But what is now clear is that Bryson has changed significantly. His body is different, his swing different, his golf demeanour is different and his mindset has changed – and the bonuses being offered by the PIC, for a LIV golfer winning a Major ,being massive.
So this 124th US OPEN was more than just golfers competing – it was also LIV vs PGA – the PGA commentators also refusing to acknowledge or refer to LIV golf.
Interesting times ahead indeed as the Saudi Investment Corporation (LIV) continue to impact on world golf.
This US OPEN has been more than one shoot out on the course.
The result?
Bryson has shoved his salty balls right in the face of outspoken runner up Rory McIlroy and that of the PGA . Rory could have won – but did not ! With his future focus back on golf the next major victory will come,
And now Bryson, who was seldom a crowd favourite, has a new demeanour with crowds . he is now loved for many a reason,not only for his sheer driving power,
“That’s “Payne” right there, baby!.Probably the best shot of my life.’ DeChambeau screamed as he walked off the 18th green- referring to the past great Payne Stewart .
Wow, The Times They Are A-Changin’ in world golf.
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Rob Opie is a Performance Coach to teams and individuals, Speaker and five times Author.
- Contact him for one of his latest team and individual inspirational interactive talks at robopie@thegameplan.co.za.
- Rob’s latest eBook: “Champions” is also now available FREE to readers as an instant digital download on his site : www.thegameplan.co.za
- Contact Rob to hear his latest talk- it will inspire your team to the next level of innovation
CONTACT : robopie@thegameplan.co.za or on 0722133729
