THE MODERATOR: Congratulations on an eight-birdie, one-bogey 65. You birdied the first three and then you birdie five of the last seven, leader in the clubhouse, incredible 65. Tell us about your great round today in windy conditions.
BRYSON DeCHAMBEAU: It's always great getting off to a hot start, 3-under through the first three holes kind of gets you settled. I knew it was going to be a tough day today with the wind and even tomorrow. So a lot of patience is required around this golf course and making sure you're just stroking on your line, putting it good, hitting good iron shots and driving it well. In order to win major championships, you've got to -- especially out here, you've got to do everything well.
Q. That second shot into 15 was pretty insane -- incredible, I mean. What was going on there? Would love to hear what you were debating doing and what you ended up doing.
BRYSON DeCHAMBEAU: Yeah, so funny enough I was just trying to get to the back right section of the green, and I pushed it a little bit. It clipped the tree. I hit four pine needles rather than five, and it worked out perfectly. But it was a little scary of a shot. I shouldn't have probably done it, but I took a risk. I was willing to take it. I was rewarded fortunately.
But, no, I was trying to go to that back right section to have a nice chip back down to that pin kind of where Thor was, and I got lucky. I almost made it, but I'll settle for birdie there any day.
Q. Were you just thinking about punching out, or was it always a go-for-it situation?
BRYSON DeCHAMBEAU: I was, but the wedge shot wasn't going to be any easier for me. You know, especially downwind and greens were getting firm. So it was more of a get it to the back side and try to chip up for me.
Q. How has your game evolved over the last three years? How are you a different golfer now than you were maybe three years ago?
BRYSON DeCHAMBEAU: First off, again, you know, winning at Winged Foot helped me understand how to win big tournaments. But a lot of patience, especially out here on this golf course where you feel like it's gettable, you see it's right in front of you, but it's just tricky out here. It can be super tricky.
Making sure that you play aggressively but in a safe manner to where it's not going to get you into too much trouble.
So for me, as my game has progressed, I've learned to be a -- I've tried to be a little bit smarter out there on the golf course and not try to go for broke and go for every flag, but place it in the right position.
Q. Why have you struggled here since your first time as an amateur when you actually had a really good tournament?
BRYSON DeCHAMBEAU: Why have I struggled? I don't know. Only God knows that.
For me, I can theorize on what it is, but there's really no need to. For me it's a focus of how do I execute the next best shot and put myself in a good place to make birdie or par and not make a big number, and I think I have made a lot of big numbers out here.
So taking that off the radar and putting the golf ball in the correct place and having some equipment that performs well for me has been leading to some success recently.
Q. You've mentioned patience twice in the first two minutes. How hard has it been for you to work on your patience?
BRYSON DeCHAMBEAU: It's more just getting older. You know, I'm 30 now, and I'm not old, I still feel like I'm a youngster, but it's definitely taken time to get comfortable and getting to a place where, you know what, no matter what happens today, I'm okay.
I have a great life outside of the game of golf. My friends are still going to be my friends and the people that love me the most are still going to love me. And focusing on playing a fun game. You know, taking that perspective has definitely enlightened me a little bit and allowed me to play a little more free.
Q. You seem to be in a much better head space than you were a couple years ago. How would you compare where you are mentally right now to where you were when you were really the center of attention at every tournament that you showed up to?
BRYSON DeCHAMBEAU: Yeah, I mean, it's been a journey, to say the least. One that I have thoroughly enjoyed, but also it's taken a big toll on me in numerous situations.
I will say that I've learned a lot from it, and a lot of it was things that weren't really in my control at that point in time. I won't go into it. But I'm in a place now where I've figured some stuff out with my golf game, golf swing. I'm just in a comfortable place where I'm doing the same thing every single week.
I feel like it's just ingraining consistently over the course of time. I'm not trying new things, not doing new things. I'm just doing more of the same. That's what's been different from a couple years ago to now. I'm just doing the same thing every single day, day-in and day-out. I'm not trying something new. I'm not trying to figure something out. And that's what I feel like has accumulated into playing some really good golf.
Q. A lot of people ask, you know, now that you're with LIV, can you talk about the routine you just got done talking about, how much that may or may not benefit you coming into majors, where if you were playing on the PGA TOUR, you would be playing all the time and you would have to work through whatever issues you have?
BRYSON DeCHAMBEAU: You're talking about the schedule, essentially? Yeah, you can look at it multiple ways for me. I feel like that sort of schedule that LIV has has provided me good, ample time to get ready for tournaments like this.
Look, it would be fine either way. I'm not going to side one way or the other. It is what is it. I just made good use of the time that I've been allocated on LIV to work on my golf swing, work on the equipment that I have, and getting to a place where I'm super comfortable going into the week.
We played Doral last week, which is a brutal test of golf, and I feel like it was a good thing that we played there and got ready for this week, because this is obviously one of the best tests in golf.
Q. What are your kind of core memories from that week in 2016 when you won low amateur honors?
BRYSON DeCHAMBEAU: A core memory. Well, first off, meeting -- and I'm saying this because it is a tremendous honor, just being an amateur at Augusta National, playing in the Masters and being the Low Amateur Champion was probably the highlight -- is probably one of the biggest highlights of my career. It really set the stage for me to be comfortable out in every venue that I'm at, and meeting a lot of the members, like Mr. Nelson over here, he's been a great friend of mine, and numerous others that have just helped build my pathway out here in my life.
So the core memories, winning the Low Amateur trophy. Also, after I finished and was the Low Amateur Champion, we went over to Dr. Rice's cottage and we had just a couple drinks and we had fun watching Danny Willett come in and win this tournament. So that's a pretty big core memory.
I also have another one, funny -- I'm not going to throw Paul Casey, my teammate, under the bus, but he did give me jabs walking down the 10th tee. He was asking me some science questions, and Jordan, who was in the group, was finally like, Dude, you've got to stop messing with this guy, just a little amateur, and Paul Casey was nudging me the whole time with Johnny Long Socks. Those are core memories that I have that really stick in my head.
Q. Curious, you've been obviously a very polarizing figure the last few years in the game and I'm wondering in your mind what some of the misconceptions and misperceptions about you may be in your mind.
BRYSON DeCHAMBEAU: Well, I'll just say this: Like I'm a very passionate individual, and some people can take that in a pretty negative way. Others can take it in a way of, wow, he's trying to pave a pathway and his own path.
I think that's a pretty big misconception; that I'm divisive. I'm really not. I don't try to be. It may come off that way because I'm passionate about certain things and certain subjects. That's up for interpretation and opinion.
And, look, I respect everybody's opinion and what they think. I have no issues, and I understand the pathway that I pave is going to be viewed in multiple ways.
I'm just learning to be myself and continuing to be okay with what happens. And from my perspective, what's been really nice and helpful for me is doing a lot of content on YouTube, as crazy as it sounds, it's been really awesome to see how I can affect a lot of people's lives, junior golfers' lives, middle-aged men, even, they are coming out shouting: Thanks for the content. Appreciate what you do online.
It's pretty cool to see that type of transformation and change.
I don't know, I have a new perspective on life with that.
Q. You say you are doing the same thing. I wonder if you can describe what you settled on technically and style-wise in terms of your game. You went all in on distance?
BRYSON DeCHAMBEAU: Yeah.
Q. You seemed to pull back slightly. Can you explain the kind of player that you are different from perhaps what you envisioned three or four years ago?
BRYSON DeCHAMBEAU: Yeah, I think I've gotten equipment that is performing a little differently for me, and I'm settled on that. I'm just saying to myself every -- every day I get up, just swing the same way you have been for the past seven, eight months since I put it in play at Greenbrier and just go back to those feels every single day.
I know that works. I mean, I shot 58 with it. And I know this game is ever-changing and it's always moving. It's a moving target. But for me, it's going back to that day, those few days I played shooting 61, 58 on the weekend and going, all right, what did I do there that was so good, and how do I keep doing it? And just looking back and reflecting on that and making sure I'm feeling that same motion that I've settled in on.
The motion is really just tilt the shoulder to swing more inside out. That's literally all it is. And my putting is take it straight back, straight through. Those are the two biggest things I've focused on.
Q. Are you swinging it slightly easier?
BRYSON DeCHAMBEAU: You can say that. I'm still aggressive. I may not be necessarily as fast, but when I want to swing fast, I can get it to 200 miles per hour pretty easily. Maybe three or four balls I'm there, but I think around 190 when I'm going at it normally.
But just with the equipment that I have, it works really well at those speeds.
Q. Rory told me at Arnold Palmer that he wished you were there playing, and you said, too, that you really want golf and the two leagues and players to come together. What has it been like this week now that you've been here a few days being with all of those guys, and what does it mean to know that Rory thought it would have been a better tournament if you would have been there at Arnold Palmer?
BRYSON DeCHAMBEAU: I appreciate him saying that, first and foremost. He is a huge voice for the game, and I respect his voice and respect his opinion. Him saying that definitely, hopefully shines a light in this game that is pretty divisive right now where we can all kind of hopefully come back together at some point and say, look, how do we make this work for both sides; how do we make this work for the fans, Patrons here, but fans outside of here.
I think it's the most important thing we can do for the game of golf moving forward. We now have a duty to make sure that this great game continues and grows in a positive manner now compared to the divisiveness that's occurred over the last few years. I personally think that we could figure that out quickly if we just sit down and hash it out for a week.
Q. What does it mean to you and maybe some of your peers at LIV who are here that Greg Norman not only came, but he's walking the course; he's there when you get off; he's jumping from 7 to 18 so he can see two or three of you guys in a few minutes?
BRYSON DeCHAMBEAU: I think it shows he cares, first off.
Look, I've not had any poor interactions with Greg my entire career. He was with Cobra for a long time when I was with Cobra, as well, Cobra PUMA, and he was always great to me and he's been great to me through LIV. I respect him coming out here and showing support.
I think the people can view it multiple ways. I just look at it as a sign that he cares and nothing more than that. And if people have a different perspective on that, then that's up for them to decide. But in my opinion, it just shows that he really cares about the game in general.
Q. How much has it bothered you that you have not played well here, and toward trying to correct that, what was the importance of that January recon mission you had here?
BRYSON DeCHAMBEAU: Yeah, well, the January recon mission for me, I guess you could say it was a mission, was playing with the new driver that I have in the bag. Learning the golf course again. Making sure that I'm comfortable with certain lines and step up on 13 and making sure I can hit a big, high draw around the corner. Or even 7, hitting a driver down that tight alley. Getting comfortable with the lines with the equipment that I had. I think that was really important for me to see that at the beginning of the year.
Then I had one last Monday as well. And it was just great to see how the driver and irons were performing leading into this week, knowing that I was a different golfer with the equipment I had and the mindset I had.
So it was very important. And the difference is definitely equipment. It's also being more patient and knowing what the golf course can give you and what it can take away and respecting it.
Q. And how much has it bothered you that you have not been able to play as well as you might have wanted to?
BRYSON DeCHAMBEAU: Yeah, if you don't play well at any golf tournament, it bothers me, even if it's -- any event. Any event you're at, we're always trying to win. We are not just going there to hit it around and have a hit-and-giggle. I'm trying to win every single golf tournament. It's been extremely disappointing, especially with how well I love this golf course, love the Patrons, love the members, love the golf course conditions. Everything about it, it's something I've dreamed of always winning my entire life.
Q. You've had the mad scientist phase. You've had the bulky basher phase. What phase do you think you're in now?
BRYSON DeCHAMBEAU: The golf phase. I'd say the golf phase for sure. Trying to be the best golfer I can be.
Q. You got some attention a couple years ago for the par 67 comment. I just wonder how you reflect on that and has time changed your perspective at all there?
BRYSON DeCHAMBEAU: I mean, yeah, sure. Again, the comment was definitely misinterpreted. I said it, and I respect people's opinions on it.
For me, I have a level of respect for this golf course that's a little bit different than a couple years ago, and clearly today was a great test of golf, and I was able to conquer a very difficult golf course today.
Regarding the 67 comment, you know, you mess up. I'm not a perfect person. Everybody messes up. You learn from your mistake, and that was definitely one.
Q. Can I request you to analyze your round today in terms of relative to three important factors: one, your technical skills, two, your knowledge and experience of the course, and the conditions today.
BRYSON DeCHAMBEAU: Seems like an SAT exam or something, a question like that (laughter).
What was the first one again?
Q. Your technical skills; second is your knowledge and experience of the course; third is the conditions today.
BRYSON DeCHAMBEAU: Yeah, I'd say the first one, just technique. I'm just in a place where I'm repeating a motion, trying to do the same thing over and over again. Hitting a couple cut shots every once in a while.
The knowledge on the golf course, just learning each and every day when we get out there, what's acceptable, what's not acceptable, where can I play from, where do I need to miss this. If I put myself in a bad place, how do I give myself an opportunity to make par.
And then, thirdly, the test of golf that was out there, it was a real sign of patience today, having G-Bo on the bag and making sure I don't make really big errors out there. Albeit I almost did it on 15. I got away with one.
But certainly talking through a lot more shots and making sure we know where the wind is coming from, when it's gusting, him pulling me off if he feels something different. I think that's what the test is out there this week.
Q. On that 67 comment, it sounds like you regret it, but yet when things are going right, is there some truth in that for you? I mean, the way you can possibly overpower a golf course?
BRYSON DeCHAMBEAU: You're trying to pigeonhole me into saying that again, aren't you (laughter)? I'm not going to comment on that.
I'll say, look, I'm going to go out and try to shoot the best score I possibly can. Sure, if you want to line the math up that way, that is a perspective you can take. It was a perspective I had, and it cost me a lot of slack, I guess you could say. It definitely hurt some things.
But look, I'll say this again. I shot 65 today, and that was one of the best rounds of golf I've played in a long time. There's three more days to go, and I'm not losing sight of that fact; that it's right there in front of me. Just got to go execute.
Q. You mentioned Greenbrier, and this is the first major that you've played since that driver switch. Do you feel like the last eight months have been building to this round today?
BRYSON DeCHAMBEAU: Yeah, definitely. When I shot 61, 58 on the weekend, I looked at G-Bo and go, "I can't wait for April."
It's exciting. You never know what this week is going to bring. You never know how things are going to shake out, but it certainly is exciting to see some good golf with the equipment that I have.
Q. There's been a lot of change in your life the last few years, but I'm curious if you feel like your level of fame has changed at all or if your presence in the sport has changed in any level?
BRYSON DeCHAMBEAU: What do you mean by that?
Q. Your visibility. You mentioned YouTube.
BRYSON DeCHAMBEAU: Yeah.
Q. That's grown for you. Changing between tours would alter your visibility. Do you feel your fame level has changed?
BRYSON DeCHAMBEAU: Look, I'm just trying to promote the game of golf in the best way I possibly can, YouTube being one of them, whether it's Instagram, X, or even Snapchat. I mean, it's crazy, I've gotten a crazy amount of love on Snapchat. Getting over like a million views a day on Snapchat and these people coming out of nowhere and Patrons saying, I love your Snapchat. Like really? They are loving it that much? That's awesome.
Continuing to grow those platforms in the way we know how is something I'm keen on doing and I'm excited to do for the future. I think that's where everything is going.
You look at what MrBeast has done, and there's a few other super famous people right now, Jynxzi and Sketch, and they are growing their avenues and their aspects, and it's cool to see the cross-platforming capabilities. Like these individuals coming and playing golf and seeing how much influence they have is really cool. It's just another avenue.
I'll liken the fact of Dude Perfect, what we were able to do out here a couple years ago, and we have to thank Augusta National for that and the members for letting us come out here and shoot that video. It was quite a fun time, and it got a lot of views and a lot of exposure. Hopefully it was a great thing. I think that's just the way things are moving.
In regards to fame, I don't look at that. I just try to promote the game in a cool, new, unique way.
Q. Do you idolize YouTube creators? Do you look up to them?
BRYSON DeCHAMBEAU: I respect them. I don't idolize anyone but God. I love God. That's it.
Q. Bryson, or should I say, Hey, Brother?
BRYSON DeCHAMBEAU: You could say that.
Q. You mentioned equipment quite a bit. Are there any specific equipment changes that you make for Augusta, anything you throw different in the bag?
BRYSON DeCHAMBEAU: I haven't, actually, this week. I tried to change the balance up a little bit on the wedge, but didn't ultimately change the wedge. I just felt like it was working well when the conditions dried out a little bit. It was a little wet this morning and thought I might need it, but it dried out pretty quickly with the wind.
Q. What are some changes that you've made recently that have helped you get dialed in to where you are?
BRYSON DeCHAMBEAU: I put new irons in this week. I think that's a pretty big change. And been using this new driver, 3-wood and 5-wood.
So pretty much my whole bag is different since Greenbrier of last year, and putter is the only thing that's remained the same.
Q. You often hear guys have received advice from legends that have played here, Jon Rahm from Olazábal; J.T. from Tiger. Have you ever received any advice like that from a legend here?
BRYSON DeCHAMBEAU: Unfortunately, I don't think I have. I've talked to Tiger a little bit. When we were close, we talked quite a bit about the golf course, and that was really cool.
Talked to Mr. Nicklaus a little bit. He just tells it as it is. Just hit the fairways and greens, yeah, the putts break towards Rae's Creek and that's about it.
But for the most part, no.
Q. A few weeks ago when we were talking, you said that you want to be a machine. But in conditions like this, like the gusting winds and all, how much of an artist did you need to be out there over the 18 holes?
BRYSON DeCHAMBEAU: Yeah, I mean, trying to be a robot is always something I've tried to do, but it's not something that's feasible in this game that's ever-changing. I try to be as repeatable as possible, but just doesn't happen.
This wind out here just makes it diabolical and you've got to strategically play this golf course and put in places where you can get up-and-down or you can 2-putt from, and just get out of there. It's a lot of painting an image and trying to execute that shot out there, compared to just hitting the same stock shot every time.
Q. You talked about being a passionate person earlier. I think it's fair to say that it's easy for passionate people to get their feelings hurt when people criticize them. I'm wondering how you've learned to deal with that because it seems like you're in a better place in terms of that stuff now?
BRYSON DeCHAMBEAU: I've dealt with it my whole life. I was always different growing up and I learned pretty quickly that not everybody is going to agree with you or like what you're doing.
My mom always told me to respect others and treat others the way you want to be treated. I try to do that as much as possible. And when somebody doesn't agree with me, I respectfully say, okay, appreciate that, but I think it's this way, and we're just going to agree to disagree. And that's kind of the way I've taken it over the past -- well, my whole life, essentially.
And the past couple years, past year, essentially, a lot has happened in my life. You realize the -- I would say the frailty of life and how precious it is. You can't figure everything out, and you're not always going to be right. Respecting that. Respecting Father Time and understanding that -- enjoy the ride. Smell the roses.
THE MODERATOR: Thank you, Bryson, and best of luck the rest of the week.
BRYSON DeCHAMBEAU: Thank you.
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