Bryson DeChambeau’s dream of winning The Masters remains unfulfilled as he heads into his ninth attempt at Augusta National this spring. But he’s getting closer.
The big-hitting American finally cracked the top 10 last year, finishing sixth in what might be a breakthrough moment for the former U.S. Open champ.
It’s been quite a journey. DeChambeau started strong at Augusta, winning Low Amateur honors in 2016 with an impressive T21 finish in his debut.
Then came the bold predictions. In his mid-20s, the player nicknamed “The Scientist” famously declared Augusta National’s par-72 layout was really just a “par 67” for him. He figured his monster drives would let him overpower the course.
Augusta had other ideas.
The historic course humbled DeChambeau over the next four years, sending him home early with two missed cuts. His best finish in that stretch was just T34.
But something clicked last year. DeChambeau was in the hunt until late Sunday, sitting in fifth place before falling back as Scottie Scheffler pulled away for the win.
“I’ve just always wanted to win the Masters,” DeChambeau told Golf Monthly in an exclusive interview. “It goes back to watching Tiger’s chip-in on 16 in 2005 when I was a kid. That sold it for me.”
The 31-year-old believes all his past struggles at Augusta will actually help him win there someday.
“I just love coming back every single year,” he said. “I really believe I’m going to get it done there. It’s just a matter of time and learning from my failures.”
A Masters victory would be huge for DeChambeau’s ultimate career goal – joining the elite group of players who’ve won all four majors. Only five men have done it: Gene Sarazen, Gary Player, Ben Hogan, Tiger Woods, and Jack Nicklaus.
“The career grand slam is number one on my priority list,” he said. “I’ve won two U.S. Opens, but I’ve got to win three more majors to get there.”
The toughest challenge? Probably The Open Championship, where links golf has given him fits. DeChambeau has missed three cuts in seven tries across the pond, with just one top-10 finish.
“The British Open will probably be the most difficult one for me,” he admitted. “That style of golf is just tough – I didn’t grow up with it. But I’m learning more every year.”
With his recent form and growing comfort at Augusta, this could be the year DeChambeau finally slips on that green jacket. The Masters begins April 11.
