Q&A: Bryson DeChambeau talks title defense ahead of 2025 U.S. Open

USA Today

5 hours ago

Q&A: Bryson DeChambeau talks title defense ahead of 2025 U.S. Open
Bryson DeChambeau is turning into a menace at the majors.
It all really started back at the 2016 Masters when DeChambeau earned low amateur honors. That is also the week he became a Rolex ambassador and started a relationship that has meant a great deal to him.
This year, DeChambeau was solo second at the Masters before tumbling on Sunday to 74 and finishing T-7. and he was co-runner-up at the PGA Championship last month at Quail Hollow. He heads to Oakmont, a big, brawny ballpark that should fit his eye as a two-time U.S. Open champion after his victory at Pinehurst No. 2 a year ago, which came four years after his maiden major title at Winged Foot.
Q: You're the defending U.S. Open champion. How does it feel to return to the prestigious tournament with a title to defend?
BD: I'm personally excited for the opportunity to defend. I haven't been able to defend a tournament in my career and that's what I intend to do this coming year. It's always a great tournament at Oakmont and it's going to be an excellent tournament host, so I'm excited for the challenge. I played well there last time and look forward to doing so again this year. With the game that I'm coming in with, I feel very confident.
Q: The U.S. Open is known for its demanding golf courses. What makes your approach to the game, particularly your style, so well suited for challenges like the U.S. Open and Oakmont in 2025?
BD: Everybody talks about how technical I am, but I am very strategic, thoughtful and artistic when it comes to the U.S. Open test. You can't be perfect out there, and the U.S. Open is going to throw tests at you left, right and center. It's the most difficult test in the game of golf, and the most resilient players usually shine brightest in those venues. I feel like I've been able to keep my emotions in check and give myself the best opportunity to perform well in those difficult situations. I feel like I thrive the most in those situations.
Q: Your 2024 U.S. Open win marked a major highlight in your career. What did that victory mean to you personally and professionally?
BD: For me, it meant that I wasn't just a fluke that had won one of the years. I felt that it symbolized that my game is meant to stay, that it's a force for good and a force to be reckoned with when I've got everything flowing and going in the right direction. For me, personally, it gave me the comfort and validation that I can play this great game for the rest of my life and enjoy it as well. That was the first time I was able to go into a tournament really enjoying the test of golf that was presented and I had the equipment that allowed me to perform at my highest level. I just had ultimate comfort that week.
Q: As a player who continually pushes the boundaries of the sport with your unique methods, how do you see the evolution of your game shaping your 2025 season and beyond?
BD: It's going to be equipment driven. My practice and resilience in getting better and being more repeatable will always be there, but I think the biggest difference is going to come about from the equipment I put into play. You're going to see a different Bryson DeChambeau next year due to the equipment I'm playing with, which is a great thing and something I'm very excited for. It's something that I've built, that I've created and I'm excited to showcase it to the world.
Q: Who has been the biggest influence in your golf career?
BD: I would say that the biggest influence career is Ben Hogan, Greg Norman and Tiger Woods. Tiger Woods pushed the boundaries on what we thought was possible with golf. As time goes on, Scottie Scheffler is an inspiration as well in terms of how well he's playing. I want to play to that level and inspire to play to that level as well.
Q: You get to play on some of the best courses in the world. What's your favorite course and why?
BD: Cypress Point – there's not even a question about it. It's because it's the best built golf course I've ever seen in my entire life. It is my favorite design from Dr. Alister MacKenzie and I want to try and build my courses after what Dr. MacKenzie has built across the world. It's just aesthetically pleasing, technically difficult, strategic, and an all-encompassing journey across those 18 holes of golf.
Q: How do you like to relax and spend time away from the golf course?
BD: Most of the time I'm building something – whether it's a company, my home, my golf swing or golf clubs. I love building. It's my favorite thing. It's a passion and hobby of mine to always be creating. So it's either creating something in the game of golf, something outside it for business or ideating with content and creating unique fun, entertaining content on YouTube and socials.