Bryson DeChambeau flattered and welcomes proposed rule changes

Bryson DeChambeau increased his muscle mass in an attempt to hit the ball farther

Bryson DeChambeau has proposed rule change which would prevent him from using a taller driver in his quest for more distance at the Masters.

The US Open champion is "flattered" that he is associated with the move to the maximum length of golf clubs from 48 to 46 inches.

"I think I might push them a little bit," said the world's number eight.

"I'm going to do what they say is legal and find the best way for me to play by the rules of golf."

The proposals are part of the latest development proposed by the governing bodies the R&A and the United States Golf Association (USGA).

DeChambeau experimented with a 48-inch axle on his driver in the run-up to last November's Masters, but ended up sticking with his standard 45½-inch driver for the Augusta tournament.

R&A and USGA have indicated that after a consultation period ending March 4, a new local rule will be introduced. Regulations limiting the length of clubs are expected to be in effect ahead of the Masters in April.

"I welcome it as long as they don't change the human element," added DeChambeau, who is participating in this week's Saudi Invitational event on the European Tour.

"I'm not worried about it. There are no problems.

" It's funny, I'm sure there's a lot of excitement is that I have a potentially controversial thought about it, but I don't. I think it's a really cool thinking process.

"It's a bit flattering in a way, because I've talked about that 48-inch driver for so long, and it just didn't work for me the way I wanted it. [19459004)]

"As it plays out, I think it's really cool to see some change in the conversations I've had."

DeChambeau, who regularly performs tee-shots of more than 300 meters, is not concerned about further plans by the governing bodies to introduce equipment rules to limit distance.

Authorities are concerned that golf balls fly too far, making the challenge of some established courses too easy. Other layouts have been expanded to accommodate the distances players such as DeChambeau can reach.

" someone who can swing the fastest will always be a winner even on short courses, "the American said." I'm literally knocking six-iron off the tee compared to someone's hybrid or sometimes three-wood or whatever.

"So however you look at it, from a swing speed perspective, the person who can swing it the fastest and control it the best will have a greater advantage."

DeChambeau added, "If they say you can't get a grip on it in a certain way or you can't see your swing for sure, I would say it would be too far.

"But other than that, as long as it's equipment, we should all play by the same rules."