As Bryson DeChambeau prepares for one of the biggest tests in golf—the U.S. Open—golf analyst and former Tour pro Brandel Chamblee has raised eyebrows with a bold take: there may be a critical flaw in DeChambeau’s game that could cost him on the game’s toughest stage.
Speaking during a segment on The Golfing Gazette, Chamblee praised DeChambeau’s power, work ethic, and innovative approach, but zeroed in on a potential vulnerability: his wedge play and distance control from inside 100 yards.
“It’s the Achilles’ Heel of His Game”
“Bryson has redefined how you can play a golf course,” Chamblee said. “But the U.S. Open isn’t just about brute strength—it’s about finesse, control, and smart course management. And when you look at his stats inside 100 yards, that’s where he loses strokes to the field.”
Chamblee’s comments come at a time when DeChambeau is riding a wave of confidence after strong performances on LIV Golf and a renewed focus on his game. Yet the U.S. Open, known for punishing mistakes and demanding precision, often exposes even the slightest weaknesses.
“He can drive it past everyone,” Chamblee continued. “But if he’s not hitting it close with wedges and making key up-and-downs, he could easily fall behind.”
A Fair Critique?
While DeChambeau has shown major improvement in areas like putting and mental focus, his approach shots—particularly from awkward lies and shorter yardages—have drawn criticism before. His single-length iron philosophy, while beneficial for some shots, has occasionally led to inconsistencies with trajectory and spin on finesse shots.
Supporters of DeChambeau argue that he’s worked hard to improve in these areas, pointing to more disciplined course strategy and better scoring averages in recent months. However, the challenge of U.S. Open setups—deep rough, firm greens, and tight landing areas—make the margin for error razor-thin.
Bryson Responds?
Though DeChambeau hasn’t directly responded to Chamblee’s remarks, he’s never shied away from critics in the past. Known for using doubt as fuel, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him channel these comments into extra motivation.
In a recent press conference, Bryson alluded to the importance of his short game, saying, “I know that to win the U.S. Open again, I have to be sharp in every part of my game. I’ve been grinding on wedges and my touch around the greens more than ever.”
High Stakes, High Drama
As the golf world converges on the U.S. Open, all eyes will be on DeChambeau—not just for his towering drives and scientific approach, but to see if he can rise above the scrutiny and silence the doubters.
For Chamblee, the analysis isn’t personal—it’s a reminder that winning majors requires more than just power. “Bryson is brilliant, but the U.S. Open asks the ultimate question: can your whole game stand up when everything’s on the line?”
We’ll soon find out if DeChambeau’s answer is yes.