'Title Defense' DeChambeau "I'll Show the Casino Invincibility~"... What About Im Sungjae?

Challenging 2nd Consecutive Win with Long Drives at Rocket Mortgage Classic, Kohrlach and Matsuyama Compete for Victory, Hickok Attempts First Win Again

'Hulk' Bryson DeChambeau has stepped up to defend his title at the Rocket Mortgage Classic.

[Asia Economy Kim Hyun-jun, Golf Specialist Reporter] 'Casino Invincibility Theory.'

This is a unique claim by 'The Hulk' Bryson DeChambeau (USA). Casinos never lose. They have assets far superior to individuals and apply slightly advantageous game rules. This is why DeChambeau focused on long drives by gaining 18kg in weight through 'bulking up.' In fact, he ranked first in driving distance on the PGA Tour last year with 322.1 yards, and this year he recorded 322.4 yards. He explained, "If you hit far, the next shot becomes relatively easier."

The Rocket Mortgage Classic (total prize money $7.5 million), opening on the night of the 1st (Korean time) at Detroit Golf Club in Michigan, USA (par 72, 7,370 yards), is a representative example. During his '3-stroke big win' last year, his average drive distance was an astonishing 350.6 yards, breaking Tiger Woods' 2005 Open Championship (St Andrews Old Course) record of 341.5 yards by 9 yards. He commented, "Winning by pursuing a different path from others makes it even more meaningful."

It is interesting that DeChambeau rendered course designer Donald Ross's design intentions meaningless. The bunker placement at the IP point where tee shots land was intended to induce accurate tee shots, but he simply drove over the bunkers. He became a major champion at the US Open included in the 2021 season in September, and with his victory at the Arnold Palmer Invitational last March, he has already reached 'two wins.' At the Arnold Palmer Invitational, he especially entertained fans by attempting a '1-on' at the par-5 6th hole.

Bryson DeChambeau argued, "If you hit it far first, the probability of getting the second shot close to the hole increases."

Experts naturally picked him as the 'top favorite to win.' For DeChambeau, putting, which soared to an average of 1.77 per hole, is crucial. In the three majors?the Masters in April, the PGA Championship in May, and the recently concluded US Open on the 21st?he did not even break into the 'top 20.' With world number one Jon Rahm (Spain), Dustin Johnson, Justin Thomas, Collin Morikawa, and Xander Schauffele?all in the 'top 5'?taking breaks, the probability of title defense has increased.

Other power hitters to watch include Jason Kokrak (USA), Masters champion Hideki Matsuyama (Japan), and Patrick Reed. Kokrak quickly collected two wins, first succeeding on his 233rd attempt at The CJ Cup last October, and then winning the Charles Schwab Challenge by 2 strokes last May. He drew more spotlight by facing home course player Jordan Spieth and the final day champion in the championship round. He joined DeChambeau in the 'three-win competition.'

Kramer Hickok's (USA) attempt for his first win is a hot topic off the course. On the 28th at the Travelers Championship, after a grueling 8-hole playoff with Harris English, he settled for second place. Korea is led by Im Sung-jae (23) and Kim Si-woo (26), who wore the Taegeuk mark at the Tokyo Olympics in Japan, supported by AT&T Byron Nelson champion Lee Kyoung-hoon (30), Kang Sung-hoon (34), An Byeong-hun (30, all CJ Logistics), and K.J. Choi (51, SK Telecom).

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