5 days ago
Bryson DeChambeau left in disbelief by Oakmont ahead of US Open
Bryson DeChambeau will aim to defend his US Open title at Oakmont Country Club next week, but he was left stunned by the rough during a practice round
Bryson DeChambeau has shared his thoughts on the challenging conditions at Oakmont Country Club ahead of next week's US Open. The 31-year-old will be defending his title at the major, having clinched victory from Rory McIlroy last year with an extraordinary 55-yard bunker shot.
DeChambeau aims to become the first player to retain the US Open title since Brooks Koepka in 2018. Before heading to Pennsylvania next week, he will compete at LIV Golf Virginia.
Despite his packed schedule, DeChambeau squeezed in a practice round at the US Open course. He praised the Oakmont design as one of his favourites, but was shocked by the state of the rough after finding his ball on the sixth hole.
"Oh my gosh! That is cooked beyond belief," DeChambeau exclaimed on his YouTube channel. "That's more than half-baked there. It's burnt to a crisp. Oh my gosh."
As he prepared to chip onto the green, DeChambeau commented: "I've got nothing," he said. "That's what Oakmont does to you. That's some thick rough."
The LIV Golf star finished his practice round with an even score. As he made his way around the final hole, DeChambeau remarked: "This place ate my lunch today. Glad to get a little practice round in. The history of this place is amazing and what an honour to play."
The two-time US Champion wrapped up his day with frustration as he just missed out on a birdie at the ninth. "I'm p*****," he said after his premature celebration fell flat. "That's even, unbelievable. Sad, but I'll take it. Good practice for the open, that was a lot of fun. Oakmont, you're a beast."
DeChambeau's final comment was in reference to the challenging nature of Oakmont Country Club, famously nicknamed 'The Beast'. Its long holes, plentiful bunkers, slender fairways, slick greens and formidable rough make it one of golf's toughest tests.
Oakmont has hosted the US Open more than any other course, with this year marking the 10th occasion. The most recent US Open at Oakmont was in 2016. Dustin Johnson claimed victory with four-under-par, as the rest of the field struggled to score below par.
"It wasn't designed to be fair, it was designed to be feared," DeChambeau admitted. "This course doesn't just challenge your game, it challenges your sanity."
Before he braved the challenging conditions in his practice round, DeChambeau reflected on his past US Open performance at Oakmont. "I played here in 2016. I finished 16th (T15), I think, I don't remember, but I played pretty well," he recalled
"I was leading the tournament at one point. So, I definitely like this type of golf. I feel comfortable with my new power, with how comfortable I am right now. I think I've got a good chance this year."
DeChambeau clinched his first US Open victory in 2020, triumphing at Winged Foot in Mamaroneck, New York, with a score of six-under. He secured his second major win in dramatic fashion with the same score at Pinehurst last year.
In his next major outing, DeChambeau didn't make the cut at the Open last July. However, he has shown good form this year, finishing T5 at the Masters and T2 at the PGA Championship last month.
