By Joy Chakravarty in Albany
They are already calling him ‘The Hulk’ but reigning Omega Dubai Desert Classic champion Bryson DeChambeau says he intends to keep on bulking until his body and golf swing can’t take it any further.

The world No. 12, who won by seven shots after a rampant display earlier this year at the Majlis course of Emirates Golf Club, has gained 25 pounds (11.33 kilos) over the last two months and increased his ball speed to 185mph (up 12mph).

The 26-year-old Californian has signed up to start 2020 in the Middle East, where he will feature in the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship before trying to defend his crown at the Omega Dubai Desert Classic.

Speaking to Golf Digest Middle East at the Hero World Challenge in Albany, Bahamas, DeChambeau said he intends to be even bigger and longer off the tees by the time he makes his journey to Abu Dhabi.

“The potential is limitless. I will keep going until my body doesn’t accept it anymore,” said DeChambeau after rounds of 76-71-70 to be equal last in the 18-man field Bahamas alongside Patrick Cantlay. at +1, a distant 12 strokes adrift of leader Gary Woodland.

“Kyle (Berkshire, the longest driver in the world) has reached a ball speed of 230mph. So, we will see where we get to. I am hoping to be somewhere near the 200mph mark.

“I kind of expected a bit of struggle this week. I am still trying to adjust my swing to the new physicality. But I am getting there. I am working hard. Hopefully, everything will fall in place by the time I get to Middle East.”

DeChambeau was brilliant in winning this year’s Omega Dubai Desert Classic, where he shot rounds of 66, 66, 68 and 64 to finish on a tournament-record 24-under par 264.

“I had such a great time in Dubai last year. We had lots of fun, but the thing I remember the most was winning. It was my first win outside the States, and I would like to do that again,” added DeChambeau, who has won five times on the PGA Tour and once on Korn Ferry Tour.

The Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship starts January 16 and the Omega Dubai Desert Classic the week after from January 23.