Golf

Bryson DeChambeau bulks up to be more like Happy Gilmore

MELBOURNE, Australia — It might be hard to recognize Bryson DeChambeau when he competes in the Presidents Cup beginning Thursday at Royal Melbourne Golf Club. He looks more like a linebacker than a golfer.

DeChambeau is a muscled 220 pounds after deciding he needed to hit the ball farther. A regimented workout, as well as a diet loaded with protein shakes, protein bars and peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, has transformed him into golf’s version of the Incredible Hulk.

“I wanted to hit it farther. Kyle Birkshire was my inspiration,” DeChambeau said, referring to the long-drive champion. “He has a 230 miles per hour ball speed. To swing it like he does is an inspiration for me. I want to be able to hone that in. If I can hone that in that’s Happy Gilmore stuff.”

DeChambeau was measured months ago for the clothes he was to wear at the Presidents Cup. He had to be refitted recently to accommodate his expanded frame.

His chest size has gone from 52 inches to 54; his under chest went from 36 to 39 inches; his waist 34 to 37; and his hips 42 to 43. His neck went from 17 ½ to 18 ½; his shoulders 19 to 20; and his thighs 22-23 ¹/₂ . “Literally everything has grown,” said DeChambeau, who is listed at 6-foot-1 185 pounds in the Presidents Cup media guide.

DeChambeau is making his first appearance in a Presidents Cup after playing in the Ryder Cup last year. But he is one of the few Americans who have played Royal Melbourne before, doing so as an amateur.

He plans to use 4.8-degree lofted driver to avoid too much spin on the ball. He said he’s gained 15-20 yards carry, but will still need to control his golf ball around Royal Melbourne.


“You have to be on point with your ball-striking,” he said. “That’s why I like the golf course. It’s why I like Augusta. You have to be strategic and play to the right side of the green. If you don’t execute your shots you get penalized heavily for it.”

DeChambeau was 0-3-0 at last year’s Ryder Cup in France, but expects to have a better showing at the Presidents Cup.

“Last year being a rookie at team events on a professional level, I didn’t really know what to say or do,” he said. “This year, I feel more comfortable in what to say and what to do and who I think would fit me best [as a playing partner]. I’m comfortable with saying my piece compared to last year when I didn’t know what to do. I’m looking forward to a great week; maybe a different week than last year.”