I’m not a huge Bryson DeChambeau fan but his U.S. Open win at Winged Foot was impressive. He shot a final round 67 when the field average was 74.90 (he was 7.90 shots better than the average) and the only player under par. In 1951 Ben Hogan shot a 67 in the final round at Oakland Hills, and said he had “brought this monster to its knees.” The field average that day was 75.18 (his score was 8.18 shots better) and only he and one other player broke par that day.
In 1967 Jack Nicklaus shot a 65 on his way to breaking the 72-hole scoring record. The average was 73.19 (his score was 8.19 shots better), but there were seven players who broke par, not one or two. In 1973 Johnny Miller shot a record score of 63 on a day when the field averaged 73.77 (his score was 10.77 shots better) and seven players shot rounds under par. In 1960 Arnold Palmer’s famous 65 sent him from seven shots back to the winner’s circle. The field averaged 74.29 (his score was 9.29 shots better) but other five players shot under par. In 1932 Gene Sarazen shot a then record 66 with the field averaging 75.68 (his score was 9.68 shots better) and four players were under par. The ball goes too far today with 460cc high MOI drivers and crazy long balls, but I tip my hat to Bryson and his rigorous work ethic, which has brought him success.
Comments