Pinehurst, North Carolina - Bryson DeChambeau started his first round at the 2024 US Open with a slight hiccup, but managed to overcome it and finish near the top of the leaderboard on day one at Pinehurst No. 2.

Just before teeing off for his opening shot, DeChambeau realized that his all-important yardage book containing detailed distance measurements had fallen out of his bag or pockets during the walk from his car.

Bryson DeChambeau during the first round of the 124th U.S. Open at Pinehurst.

"Must have fallen out when I got out," said DeChambeau after his round. "First time I've done that in a long time."

The yardage book is considered an invaluable resource for DeChambeau, who places immense value on analytics and calculating precise yardages. Fortunately for the American, his caddie Greg "G-Bo" Bodine had a backup book on hand.

Things took a turn for the better when someone found DeChambeau's original misplaced yardage book and returned it to him during the round.

Despite the early slip-up, DeChambeau turned in a stellar four-under par 67 on the imposing Pinehurst layout that left him just two shots back of co-leaders Rory McIlroy and Patrick Cantlay.

He hit 12 of 14 fairways and 15 greens in regulation, while his superior course management and scrambling ability allowed him to gain strokes on the field around the greens.

DeChambeau said the mental effort required to navigate Pinehurst’s subtleties left him more drained than usual at round's end. But he remained satisfied with targeting weaker spots on the greens rather than flag hunting.

“I would say from a mental exhaustion perspective, this was probably the most difficult that I’ve had in a long, long, long time,” he said. “I can’t remember the last time I mentally exerted myself that hard to focus on hitting fatter parts of the green instead of going for flags.”

After squeezing everything possible from the round, DeChambeau capped his day with extra time on the practice range, maintaining his reputation as one of golf's most analytical players. The yardage book mishap was soon forgotten as DeChambeau proved himself a contender after a promising start to his US Open title defense.

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What are the key contents of DeChambeau's yardage book

It's clear Bryson DeChambeau views his yardage book as an invaluable resource, containing all the intel he relies on to strategize and execute his game. While he kept the specifics close to the vest, it's not hard to imagine what's likely included.

You get the sense it's crammed with precise yardages for each club from every location on the course. Bryson's known for his laser-like accuracy, and that has to come from tireless distance evaluations.

Given how he studies green contours to shape shots, it probably features really detailed maps highlighting slopes and speeds. That helps him aim those tricky putts.

Considering how analytical he is about club selection, it undoubtedly charts the best club to hit from each spot. Might even suggest adjustments for wind.

And at a thinking-man's course like Pinehurst 2, it almost certainly provides hole-by-hole guidance on when to play safe versus go for broke.

No wonder then that Bryson called it "Everything" and "All my secrets" - it clearly holds all the intel and strategizing that underpins his entire approach. Little wonder he was so relieved to get it back! Just goes to show how much prep goes into contending at the highest level.

References: https://golf.com/news/bryson-dechambeau-loses-yardage-book-us-open/

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