Share

DeChambeau has world domination in mind at Dubai Desert Classic

Dubai - Bryson DeChambeau returns to the Dubai Desert Classic three years after his debut as the top-ranked player in the field at world number five, but the American has made it clear that he is far from satisfied with his meteoric rise.

The 25-year-old, popularly referred to as the 'Mad Scientist' because of his use of scientific methods in trying to improve his game, was the leading amateur and shot 12-under par on his first Dubai appearance in 2016.

However, he is one of the hottest players in the professional game right now, having won four times on the PGA Tour last year, including three in his last eight starts.

DeChambeau headlines a stellar field in the tournament, which is celebrating its 30th edition this year and starts at Emirates Golf Club on Thursday.

All of DeChambeau's six wins as a professional have come on American soil and he quickly established what he wanted to achieve, saying: "It's an honour to be back here and super excited.

"Obviously, played well on this golf course here a couple years ago. Didn't putt very well but I think we figured out why for this year.

"I am looking forward to a really good week. The game is in great shape... I am hitting it well, putting it well. I'm honestly just excited to try and capture an international victory. That's really what I want to do this week."

Winner in back-to-back weeks of the FedEx Cup playoffs in 2018, DeChambeau said he is still not satisfied with the progress he has made since his last visit.

"Not satisfied. There's more to learn. There's more to achieve," said DeChambeau.

"For me, it's not necessarily about being the number one. I mean, that's the result of all the hard work, right? But for me, it's more about understanding the game at a whole other level that's never really been done before.

"I want to achieve different insight into all the different variables that go through you having to adjust properly to the course at hand."

China's Li Haotong is the defending champion this week in a field that also includes 2017 champion Sergio Garcia.

Garcia is enjoying a great run of form and has not finished outside the top 10 in his last six starts, including a win at the Andalucia Valderrama Masters.

"I've always looked at it that you can't get victories without being up there and finishing in the top 10 or anything like that," said the 2017 Masters champion when asked if he was frustrated his form and consistency has not led to more wins.

"If you're fighting to finish 25th, you don't have a chance of winning. Winning has become tougher and tougher as the years went by... all the kids are much better now than they used to be.

"At the end of the day, the only thing I can do is give myself the best chance and try to play the best way possible. If I'm around the top 10, I have my chances of winning. If it happens, great, and if not, it's still a great week."

Also in the field are European Ryder Cup star Tommy Fleetwood, 2007 champion Henrik Stenson and Ireland's Shane Lowry, winner of last week's tournament in Abu Dhabi.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
25% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1473 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2252 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE