A Team Effort at LIV Golf Hong Kong
Bryson DeChambeau, the captain of Crushers GC, had a solid day at LIV Golf Hong Kong, firing a 66, 4-under par. Currently tied for eighth place, DeChambeau is leading his team to a strong start, sitting at 12-under overall. Reflecting on his round, DeChambeau expressed pride in his team’s performance, particularly in Paul Casey’s exceptional play. "We played good as a team. So I’m proud of the boys, proud of Paul for playing as well as he did. Disappointed I finished the way I did. I know Baan didn’t finish the way he wanted to, either. There’s some stuff we’ve got to work on, but all in all, I feel really proud of the boys, and it’s so much fun to play team golf."
The Unique Challenge of the Course
When asked about the course, which might not seem to suit his game at first glance, DeChambeau was candid about his struggles. "It’s not, actually. My wedges are not great right now. I’ve got to figure that out. I think this golf course is really unique and cool. There’s a lot of holes you can get after it, but you’ve got to have your iron play just on point. If it’s not, you’re going to get penalized." Despite his higher expectations for himself, DeChambeau remains committed to continuous improvement. "It wasn’t terrible, obviously, but I just have higher expectations for myself. I just continue to work. I’ve got to keep working. It’s obviously not fully there yet."
Paul Casey’s Stellar Performance
Paul Casey, a member of the Crushers GC and the clubhouse leader at 7-under, is a player to watch. DeChambeau, while proud of Casey’s performance, is not content to let him stay on top. "I’m happy for Paul being at 7-under, but I’m going to come kick his ass here by the end of this week." Casey’s performance is a testament to his skill and the suitability of the course to his game. "So he’s got a little bit of fire in his belly right now. It’s good. He loves this golf course. It’s an iron player’s paradise."
Reflecting on Last Year’s Near Miss
Recalling last year’s playoff where Paul Casey nearly won, DeChambeau acknowledged the mix of emotions. "Yeah, it’s obviously disappointment and also we came close, he came close. I know he wants to win out here. He’s got an incredible game, and he hasn’t won in a while, and he wants to prove that." The team is motivated by this past experience, and DeChambeau believes there’s still a lot of golf left to play. "Two more days. Proud of him. Still a lot of golf left."
DeChambeau’s Leadership Style
As the captain, DeChambeau is known for his straightforward and motivational team talks. "Oh, I say it every single time we’re on the range about to go off, just go kick some ass. Go have some fun, kick some butt. That’s about it." He also emphasizes the wisdom and experience of his teammates. "I let them do their work. They’re a lot older than me and a lot wiser than me. I almost rely on them sometimes more than giving them a little pep talk." This approach fosters a collaborative and supportive team environment, crucial in a tournament setting.
Preparing for the Rest of the Weekend
Looking ahead, DeChambeau is clear about his priorities. "I’m going to pound as many wedges as I possibly can. Not drivers, wedges this time. That’s a surprise. That means something good is happening, I guess, with my driving." He also discussed the recent change in his golf ball, which has led to some unexpected issues. "It’s spinning too much with my wedges. If I try to hit a full shot, it’ll rip off the green, and clearly you saw that on 15, and that was from a 95-yard shot downwind, ripped back 30 feet." DeChambeau is determined to find a golf ball that meets his specific needs. "There’s something weird with me in general and the way I play golf. I’m looking for a golf ball that launches a lot lower, has controlled spin at a full swing and half swing still has spin. That’s really what I’m looking for right now, and hopefully I can go find a golf ball that can do that because I’m not changing my motion. I’m doing too well with that." With the Crushers GC up on the leaderboard and defending their title, DeChambeau believes a strategic approach and improved wedge play will be key to sealing the deal this weekend. "Not hitting wedges like that and certainly making those putts when you need them right there. If I can get my wedges dialed in and continue hitting it the way I’m hitting it, I’m going to give myself a chance."
