Greetings Golfers,

Last weekend, Bryson DeChambeau won the Memorial Golf Tournament in Ohio. Did you watch it on television? I tried to. Though he was only playing in a 2some, DeChambeau took 5 1/2 hours to play the final round. In between his round of golf: I drove to Deer Run GC, played 18 holes, wrote a golf column, had lunch, went to a graduation party, took a nap, and drove home. Ok … I didn’t really do all of that … but I probably could have.

Golf is not supposed to be a race. It’s a leisurely game … and 4 hours is a leisurely pace. But 5 1/2 hours is a death march.

DeChambeau is the guy with the odd swing that he developed from the book “The Golfing Machine” by Homer Kelley. DeChambeau considers himself a modern day Einstein. I believe he majored in Physics at SMU … and while at SMU he did win the NCAA Championship. The guy is an incredible golfer – no doubt about that.

However, DeChambeau is not a good model for recreational golfers. Obviously, his pace of play is ridiculous. And his golf swing is based on what he believes is science. Ironically, his belief is probably his greatest strength – sort of like those yogis who walk over burning coals. But, I would recommend his swing as much as I would recommend walking over burning coals.

Don’t forget the word “swing”. It’s a golf swing. Body movements can help with consistency and leverage, but they can’t swing the golf club. Sort of like throwing a ball. A pitcher’s windup doesn’t throw the ball – it can help with consistency and leverage – but it doesn’t throw the ball.

Of course DeChambeau hit the ball well last week. But what he did really well was putt. He putted better than anyone else in the tournament. People don’t talk enough about how important putting is. I don’t enjoy watching putting on tv unless the putt matters. But, tv loves to show some player make a long meaningless putt. Though not very fun to watch, putting is vital to a good score – your’s or a Tour player’s.

Is Bryson Chambeau fun to watch? Maybe at first – like a freak show … but it wears off quickly … and his slow play only makes it more annoying. But – he can definitely play and especially putt. I’d recommend to find your own method based more on a “swing” and less on “science” … and to play faster than a funeral procession.

Cheers,

Tom Abts

GM and Head Golf Professional

tabts@deerrungolf.com