Two-time Major Champion Bryson DeChambeau experienced mixed emotions at the $2 million International Series golf championship at DLF Golf Club. While he was disappointed with his performance, particularly on the challenging 17th hole, he was equally appreciative of his time in India and the competitive spirit of the tournament.
DeChambeau finished second to Ollie Schniederjans, trailing by four strokes. Reflecting on his game, he admitted that mistakes had cost him a better chance at victory.
“I would have had a better chance if I hadn’t made those mistakes, but I am pleased with how I performed and played. I was not pleased with how I struck the ball. Strange, because I was hitting it so well just a week and a half ago in the Bahamas. I don’t know what happened. I need to figure it out before Riyadh next week,” DeChambeau said.
Struggles on the 17th Hole
One of the defining challenges for DeChambeau was the par-4 17th hole, where players aim for the pin atop a hill at 414 yards. Over the first three rounds, he dropped four shots, including a costly double bogey in the third round, before finally mastering it on the last day.
Despite his struggles, he was gracious in defeat and praised champion Ollie Schniederjans.
“He beat me multiple times in college. It is really impressive to see how well he is playing. I wish I could have given him a run for his money, but I wasn’t as prepared as I could have been. I didn’t challenge him the way I wanted to, but he is a well-deserved champion, and he has earned every bit of the accolades that come with this win,” he said.
The American golfer, who competes on the LIV Golf league alongside Anirban Lahiri in the Crushers team, ranked the DLF Golf Club among the toughest courses he has played, second only to Mayakoba in Mexico.
“Without a doubt, it is right up there. The course demands precise ball striking. I would compare it a bit to Mayakoba because it is tight off the tee, visually intimidating, and has hazards on both sides. It is really a tough test of golf, one that exposes any weaknesses in your game. It gives me a solid challenge to prepare for the year ahead,” DeChambeau explained.
Embracing Indian Golf’s Future
Despite the on-course struggles, DeChambeau thoroughly enjoyed his experience in India and praised the organizers for their hospitality.
“I thank DLF and everyone associated with the event here in India. The Asian Tour has been incredible, and hospitality has been fantastic. Everything you guys talked about this tournament came true. You have done a fabulous job hosting me, as well as the Crushers, Torque, and Fireballs teams. We all have extreme gratitude for the effort put in to ensure we completed the round on Sunday. It has been a real treat all week,” he said.
Looking ahead, he predicted exciting growth for Indian golf and expressed his hope to inspire the next generation.
“India is ready for golf to explode here. I see it, I believe it. Anirban has been talking about it, and now it is a reality. Hopefully, I and the Crushers, along with all of LIV Golf, can help inspire a younger generation,” DeChambeau concluded.
While the tournament didn’t go entirely as planned for the star golfer, his experience in India left a lasting impression, and his words of encouragement could be a boost for the country’s golfing future.
