US Open 2020: Bryson DeChambeau Aims to Overpower Winged Foot
DeChambeau led the PGA Tour average classification last season at 322.1 yards Date: September 17-20 Location: Winged Foot, New York Coverage: Live text commentary on BBC Sport website from 1:00 pm BST of opening two rounds and from 7:00 pm on Saturday and Sunday. Radio Commentary on BBC Radio 5 Live and Sport Extra – full details
American Bryson DeChambeau says he wants to master Winged Foot's notoriously difficult West Course when the US Open starts on Thursday
The New York venue is hosting its sixth US Open for men and has produced just one winning score under par.
The big- hitting DeChambeau, ninth in the world rankings, believes he can birdie even if he misses the fairways while bidding to win his first major.
"I'll hit it as far up there as I possibly can," said DeChambeau.
"Even when it's rough I can still get it to the front or center of the greens with pitching wedges and nine irons. That's the beauty of my height and that benefit.
"Obviously if it's upwind and there are some of those situations going on, it will be different. There are certain holes I could make just because of the situation, but for the most part I will try to get behind them as much as possible.
DeChambeau, who turned 27 Thursday, says his "ultimate goal" is to be able to drive the ball 400 yards in the air so he can "steer the greens every week" .
"If I hit it in the wind, I still feel like I can birdies here," added DeChambeau, who led the PGA Tour last season on the area of driving distance.
"I still feel like I could run it in the middle of the green and make a 20-footer. I'll give myself the chance to still birdie, with most people lying back, heading for a bunker, and even hitting it in the wild.
"It's not guaranteed if you quit. That you'll be on the fairway, so there will be times when people will hit it in the rough. I think the person who's going to win, will hit most fairways and make the most putts and also hit the green. "
England's Tommy Fleetwood says he's prepared for an" absolute gravel "on the Mamaroneck- job.
"I haven't played Winged Foot before, but I've heard people say how hard it is and I think it's a US Open and that's exactly what you should expect," the 29-year-old said.
“I actually remember the last US Open there and it's a tough test. My coach says a good shot normally does the trick and that's the idea wherever you are, but the preparation for the US Open always remains the same.
"You have to be prepared for anything – for bogey runs, getting around the greens, trying to get as many up-and-downs as possible. if you can. Par will always be your friend in a US Open and you will have to hole a lot of tricky putts with the way the greens are.
"You know what's coming. I've always enjoyed an odd week a year to have an absolute grind there."
