‘He Saved Us’: Bryson DeChambeau is Changing the ‘Clown’ Perception of an Entire Sport, According to a Professional Long Drive Champion

Bryson DeChambeau is well-renowned for his long-range hits on the golf course. So what is the American up to, considering the next LIV event is a few days off? Quality time with family and rest isn’t a priority as DeChambeau gears himself for the unique Professional Long Drivers Association World Championship in Mesquite.

What is Bryson DeChambeau doing at the Professional Long Drivers Association World Championship?

After securing the 10th place finish at the recently-concluded LIV event in Chicago, DeChambeau will be travelling to the Arizona border to compete at the long-distance championship. It’s not his first time competing at this event; the LIV golfer made his debut at the competition last year, wowing the crowd with his tremendous swing.

DeChambeau blasted a 412-yard shot in his first round last year, before bashing the ball up to 406 yards off the tee in the consequent round. His appearance at the competition has somewhat revived the event, with fans and competitors alike, flocking over to Arizona this year. However, the story was vastly different before DeChambeau’s arrival.

The Professional Long Drivers Association World Championship

As the name suggests, the event focuses solely on shot distances among open, senior, and amateur divisions. Various long-distance events have been conducted over the years – one was held in 1949 alongside that year’s PGA Championship.

Read more: ‘They Thought I Had Cheated’: Bryson DeChambeau, Then Just 9-Years-Old, Was Slapped With a Major Accusation Due to His Stellar Talent

A founding Long Drive World Championship was established in 1976 that spurned more leagues around the world. Among them was the World Long Drive Association, sponsored by Golf Channel. However, the pandemic killed all hopes of the annual competition. But in its wake came an essential successor: the current drivers association.

However, the event had an appalling start for its initial tournaments. Registrations were low and the sponsorships were limited. The newfound championship was barely holding together when the announcement of a new player sprung up in the form of Bryson DeChambeau.

With a former PGA player with immense popularity on the roster, the event managed to keep it together and conduct a successful event. With this year’s participation also guaranteed, the members of the association have credited DeChambeau for saving one of the major essences of the game.

“This year, we’re getting a really big response from players wanting to compete, and more fans are coming out to watch our events,” said Bobby Peterson, the association’s managing partner, and majority owner.

Kyle Berkshire, a two-time world long drive champion and the defending champion this year, claimed the association is seated at its best position in years. “Just a year ago, I had never seen a sport in such a bad position,” he said. “Now, I’ve never seen one poised for such a bright future. It’s just an exciting time all around.”

“Back when I was in college, everyone thought the long drive guys were the clowns of the golf world,” he continued. “That whole perception is changing.” Berkshire had special praise reserved for DeChambeau, whom he credited for changing the face of the sport by saving the long-distance game. “He saved us, that’s for sure,” he concluded.

Watch this story: Golf fans will not like Bryson DeChambeau’s latest update on Phil Mickelson