[Golf Topic] 'Eccentric' DeChambeau "Equipped with a 48-inch Driver?"

[Asia Economy Reporter No Woo-rae] ○…The experiments of the 'eccentric' Bryson DeChambeau (USA, photo) continue.

This time, it's a 48-inch driver. On the 22nd (Korean time), the American Golf Channel reported, "DeChambeau recently announced on his SNS that 'if I can control it well, I would use a 48-inch driver'." DeChambeau said, "I increased my swing speed but felt something was lacking, so I analyzed it," and emphasized, "If I can hit the ball straight like with a 45.5-inch driver, there is no reason not to use a 48-inch driver."

According to the equipment regulations of the United States Golf Association (USGA), 48 inches is the maximum length for a driver. Exceeding this length makes the club non-conforming and unusable in tournaments. The longer the driver, the farther the distance, but it is harder to control, so players mainly use products around 45 inches. Brooke Henderson (Canada), who plays on the LPGA Tour, uses a 48-inch driver, but to control her swing, she grips it much lower, making it effectively about 46 inches.

DeChambeau is focusing on increasing driving distance amid the suspension of the PGA Tour due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Earlier this month, he broadcasted a scene on his internet show where his driver shot ball speed reached 203 mph using simulation golf equipment. The data-measured distance was about 330 yards. Since last fall, he has been gaining weight and increasing muscle mass, and he also tested a driver with a 4.8-degree loft.

This season, his average drive shot distance is 321.3 yards, ranking first. DeChambeau is a 'scientist on the field' who strives to prove various scientific hypotheses on the course. He is called an 'eccentric golfer' due to his unconventional club settings that break common sense. In the case of irons, the lower the number, the longer the shaft, but DeChambeau is an exception. From 3-iron to wedge, all 10 clubs have the same length of 37.5 inches and weight of 280g. He has won a total of 5 PGA Tour titles.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.