Dechambeau’s college golf career was cut short because of sanctions imposed on his team due to violations committed by former head coach Josh Gregory, so he decided to quit school and plan for his golfing future. Along with his family and a team of advisors they figured that to best prepare himself for not only the Masters but future professional golf he should try to get invited to as many notable tournaments around the world as possible. His amateur credentials impressed many event organisers and over the next six months he played in Australia, the United Arab Emirates and the US, a process, he says, that has given him invaluable experience.
Dechambeau is easily recognizable on the course. He is a great admirer of the late Ben Hogan, arguably the best ball-striker of all time, so in recognition of “The Hawk” he wears a similar style flat cap to the great man.
In the months leading up to turning pro, Dechambeau sealed an endorsement contract with Cobra Puma Golf. He plays with Cobra woods, a Bridgestone ball and wears Puma apparel. He will continue to use Edel irons and wedges for the early part of his professional career.
PGA Tour rules are complicated but as a non-tour member he will be allowed seven sponsors’ invites to try to make 361 FedEx Cup points, which would allow him to receive unlimited invites for the remainder of the season. Why 361? Because that’s the number that last year’s 150th ranked player earned. If he earns as many points (or cash) as the 125th ranked player on this season’s list, he’ll receive his full PGA Tour card for the 2016-2017 season. He earned 122.5 points in his first event, so he’s off to a great start.
Dechambeau continues to amaze people by how well he performs using a style of clubs that are unlike those of any other professional golfer. For this unique young man, the future looks very bright indeed.
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