Bryson DeChambeau has positioned himself as the one to beat at this week's LIV Golf Invitational in Houston. After a scintillating performance at the PGA Championship last month, the American star appears to have found top form heading into the lucrative new event.
Bryson Dechambeau finishes second in the PGA Championship and 2 weeks later he’s filming YouTube content in vintage clothes with hickory shafted clubs. Dudes awesome. pic.twitter.com/266VXESHGk
— Tour Pro 🏌️♂️ (@OfficialTourPro) May 31, 2024
DeChambeau's ball-striking prowess was in full display at Valhalla, where he narrowly missed out on victory after a final round 264. However, it was an extraordinary drive and short iron he wielded into the par-5 10th hole on the last day that really captured the imagination.
DeChambeau has substantially increased his fanbase due to such compelling displays of golfing talent. It seems the 28-year-old has achieved greater balance between power and precision, lending confidence to his aspirations in upcoming majors.
While the world's top-ranked Jon Rahm and defending champion Brooks Koepka can never be overlooked, DeChambeau is expected as the man to beat at Golf Club of Houston. Rahm will be hungry to justify his lucrative LIV switch. Meanwhile, Koepka aims to bounce back from forcing the issue in his PGA title defense.
Koepka and Rahm are also seen as each-way picks who could contend. However, if DeChambeau sustains his scintillating ball-striking form, few could contend with the destruction he could rain down upon the course's layout and challenge.
Chile's Joaquin Niemann and American Talor Gooch are other names tipped to impress in Texas. All eyes will be on whether DeChambeau can follow his Pebble Beach heroics with more LIV Golf success.
Read more: 18 LIV Golf Stars Turn to US Open Qualifying
What strategies is DeChambeau planning to use at the LIV Golf Houston?
You just know Bryson is coming in looking to unleash his full arsenal this week. He's been crushing it with the driver lately, so expect him to bomb away and put himself in position to attack some of those shorter par 4s.
The course setup will be key - if there are some drivable par 4s or reachable par 5s, Bryson will have circles on his map. Just imagine if he gets a look at eagle on one of those beastly holes!
But it's not just muscle this time. He's been striking his irons like a laser too. If he keeps dialing in those intermediate shots, it'll be tough to stop. Bryson will have the confidence to go for pins that would make others think twice.
More than anything though, he just seems totally locked in on every part of his game right now. With that kind of form and attitude, Bryson has to like his chances of adding another W to his resume this week in Houston. It should be fun watching how he attacks this course.
References: https://www.golfshake.com/news/view/20403/LIV_Golf_Houston_2024_Preview_Picks_Analysis.html