VEDRA BEACH BRIDGE, Florida – After winning the Arnold Palmer Invitation on Sunday, Bryson DeChambeau was asked if he intends to take a different approach to his length at this week’s Players Championship, as he did by hitting the driver across the lake at sixth hole par-5 at Bay Hill.
“I thought that sometimes on the 18th going left to 9,” said DeChambeau, referring to avoiding the lake that embraces the left side of the narrow 18th strait. “It only gives you a better shot in the green, where you can hit it a little and you will always be OK. The lid (transport) is like 310 [yards], but we will see. I look at all the options if there is an advantage there. But if not, I’ll just hit 4-iron down the fairway and hopefully an 8-iron or 7-iron in the green. “
On Tuesday morning, DeChambeau said he intended to “probably try, but most likely it won’t.”
By Tuesday afternoon, the PGA Tour issued a statement with a newly developed local rule that prohibits players from hitting the ninth hole on the 18th tee.
“In the interest of the safety of spectators, volunteers and other staff, the Players’ Championship Rules Committee has installed an indoor space outside the left side of the lake to play hole 18. Similar stocks of safe outdoor space took place at the Open Championship (hole 9 ) in 2017, the 2021 Sony Open in Hawaii (hole 13 and hole 18) and, most recently, the 2021 Arnold Palmer invitation presented by Mastercard (hole 6). “
With DeChambeau almost certain he wouldn’t try that shot in the competition, the whole exchange was quite humorous.
After his victory on Sunday, when asked about tournaments that try to change his course as they used to “resist the tiger” to fight the length of Tiger Woods, DeChambeau said: “I don’t think you can resist Bryson. a golf course. ”
However, there is a Bryson rule in place this week.