Gregory Shamus

By Joel Beall
Bryson DeChambeau took to social media Saturday to dispute the notion that his recent injuries are the byproduct of speed and weight training.

DeChambeau was a mid-tournament WD at this week’s Saudi International with what tournament officials stated as injuries to his left hand and left hip. This came a week after DeChambeau was seen nursing his left wrist and reaching for his back at times during the second round of the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines, where he missed the cut by one shot. DeChambeau also pulled out of the Sony Open in January due to wrist soreness. The developments have spurred speculation that DeChambeau’s much-publicized pursuit of distance may be having an adverse effect on his health.

However DeChambeau denied these concerns in a lengthy Instagram post, writing, “Everyone needs to chill.”

“Yes I hurt myself but not from hitting it far,” DeChambeau wrote. “I slipped and fell this week on Tuesday unfortunately. I know people probably won’t believe me but that is the truth. I will be back stronger and better than ever in a few weeks. Thank you for the hospitality [Saudi International]. Thank you for your concerns and keep hitting bombs. I will be back …”

DeChambeau’s physical overhaul began in earnest in the fall of 2019. It transformed the former U.S. Amateur and NCAA champion into one of the longest hitters in the game and led to four worldwide wins, highlighted by his triumph at the 2020 U.S. Open at Winged Foot. But DeChambeau is coming off a tumultuous season both on and off the course, with DeChambeau admitting last December he contemplated walking away from the professional game.

It is unclear when DeChambeau might return. On his personal website his schedule has not been updated in some time, with the aforementioned Sony Open the last tournament listed. The Arnold Palmer Invitational, which DeChambeau won last season, is a month away, with the Players Championship slated to begin March 10.