Overcoming golf's 'most difficult test'

U.S. Open defending champion Bryson DeChambeau shares his strategy ahead of the tournament

- 

Everybody talks about how technical I am, but I am very strategic, thoughtful and artistic when it comes to the U.S. Open test.

You can’t be perfect out there, and the U.S. Open is going to throw tests at you left, right and centre. It’s the most difficult test in the game of golf, and the most resilient players usually shine brightest in those venues. I feel like I've been able to keep my emotions in check and give myself the best opportunity to perform well in those difficult situations. I feel like I thrive the most in those situations.

Q: YOUR 2024 U.S. OPEN WIN MARKED A MAJOR HIGHLIGHT IN YOUR CAREER. WHAT DID THAT VICTORY MEAN TO YOU PERSONALLY AND PROFESSIONALLY?

For me, it meant that I wasn’t just a fluke that had won one of the years. I felt that it symbolised that my game is meant to stay, that it’s a force for good and a force to be reckoned with when I've got everything flowing and going in the right direction. For me, personally, it gave me the comfort and validation that I can play this great game for the rest of my life and enjoy it as well. That was the first time I was able to go into a tournament really enjoying the test of golf that was presented and I had the equipment that allowed me to perform at my highest level. I just had ultimate comfort that week.

Q: AS A PLAYER WHO CONTINUALLY PUSHES THE BOUNDARIES OF THE SPORT WITH YOUR UNIQUE METHODS, HOW DO YOU SEE THE EVOLUTION OF YOUR GAME SHAPING YOUR 2025 SEASON AND BEYOND?