‘I Lost 18lbs In 24 Days’ – DeChambeau Reveals Rapid Weight Loss
After Bryson DeChambeau impressed in the opening round of the PGA Championship, he revealed he'd experienced some rapid weight loss
Bryson DeChambeau defied a brutal course set-up to finish his first round of the PGA Championship at Oak Hill Country Club four-under and with the clubhouse lead.
That contrasts with the struggles endured by the LIV Golf player in recent months, and he explained that a recent change of diet has offered him a new approach to the game. Much has been made of DeChambeau’s muscle-building efforts, although the accompanying diet is something he ditched last year after admitting bulking up had been a mistake.
Following his opening round, DeChambeau revealed the change is helping his body improve. He said: “Eating properly instead of eating stuff that inflames my body. I took a Zoomer peptide test, which essentially tells you what inflames your blood when you eat it.
“I was allergic to corn, wheat, gluten, dairy. Pretty much everything I liked, I couldn’t eat. I took that out. Started taking it out in August, and over the course of time I’ve lost all this inflammation, lost a lot of fat and slimmed down like crazy.”
DeChambeau also revealed the rapid difference that had made to his physique. He said: "I lost 18 pounds in 24 days. It was crazy. It wasn’t fat. It was all water weight. You know how I looked before. I was not skinny.”
As well as a diet change, DeChambeau admitted it had taken time to recover from a hand injury he sustained last year, while his swing also needed work. He said: "Obviously, having the hand injury was no fun and then learning to play golf again with a new hand. It’s been a while. So nice to come back and start to finally figure out what’s going on with my golf swing."
DeChambeau also revealed his struggle for a return to form had not been without some soul-searching. He said: “Look, I love the game, and I love being a part of helping inspire kids to play golf and grow the game whatever possible way I can. But I will say that there have been times where it’s like, man, I don’t know where this is worth all of it.”
Get the Golf Monthly Newsletter
Subscribe to the Golf Monthly newsletter to stay up to date with all the latest tour news, equipment news, reviews, head-to-heads and buyer’s guides from our team of experienced experts.
Another element working in DeChambeau’s favour this week could be the course, which he admitted bears similarities with the scene of his sole Major win to date, the 2020 US Open at Winged Foot. He said: “It is, right, but it is more nuanced. I’ve said that a couple times now where you can’t just run it up every single green. There’s some forced carries, right? It’s different, a different test and a test that I’m willing take on.”
Still, DeChambeau refused to take anything for granted, saying: “If you’re driving it well and hitting your irons well, you can play out here, but it can get pretty nasty pretty quick if you’re not hitting it straight.”
On that subject, DeChambeau admitted his performance off the tee had been a pleasant surprise. He said: “Hitting the driver straight, finally. That’s been the most surprising part because I’m so used to hitting it everywhere.”
It wasn't all plain sailing on that score. During the round, DeChambeau hit fellow pro Kenny Pigman with a wayward drive, although thankfully without causing him an injury.
Mike has over 25 years of experience in journalism, including writing on a range of sports throughout that time, such as golf, football and cricket. Now a freelance staff writer for Golf Monthly, he is dedicated to covering the game's most newsworthy stories.
He has written hundreds of articles on the game, from features offering insights into how members of the public can play some of the world's most revered courses, to breaking news stories affecting everything from the PGA Tour and LIV Golf to developmental Tours and the amateur game.
Mike grew up in East Yorkshire and began his career in journalism in 1997. He then moved to London in 2003 as his career flourished, and nowadays resides in New Brunswick, Canada, where he and his wife raise their young family less than a mile from his local course.
Kevin Cook’s acclaimed 2007 biography, Tommy’s Honour, about golf’s founding father and son, remains one of his all-time favourite sports books.
-
Scottie Scheffler Shakes Off 'Little Bit Of Rust' To Set New PGA Tour Record
Scottie Scheffler set a new PGA Tour record with his 28th consecutive round under par to start his bid for a hat-trick of wins in style
By Paul Higham Published
-
What I Learned From Visiting The TaylorMade Ball Plant
I flew out to Liberty, South Carolina to find out how TaylorMade makes its golf balls and what I saw blew my mind
By Joe Ferguson Published
-
How Many LIV Golfers Have Qualified For The 151st Open At Royal Liverpool?
There are 16 players from the LIV Golf League that will play in the Open Championship at Hoylake including defending champion Cameron Smith
By Paul Higham Published
-
Brooks Koepka Has 'Basically Given Up' On 'Wasted' Talent Matthew Wolff
Smash GC captain Brooks Koepka made his feelings clear on teammate Matthew Wolff ahead of this week's LIV Golf London event
By Elliott Heath Published
-
Bryson DeChambeau Back With Former Caddie Tim Tucker For LIV Golf London
Bryson DeChambeau will have a familiar old face on the bag this week as he reunites with former caddie Tim Tucker at LIV Golf London
By Paul Higham Published
-
LIV Golf Players 'Technically' Still Able To Play Ryder Cup Says Captain Johnson
USA Ryder Cup captain Zach Johnson described LIV Golf players as "technically" still eligible to be part of his team for Rome
By Paul Higham Published
-
Pro Makes Hole-In-One On Par 4 In PGA Tour Monday Qualifier
Aldrich Potgieter achieved the feat on the 345-yard par 4 while attempting to qualify for the John Deere Classic
By Ben Fleming Published
-
Talor Gooch Secures Hat-Trick Of LIV Titles Following Valderrama Win
The American picked up a third LIV title after birdieing the final hole for a one shot victory over Bryson DeChambeau
By Matt Cradock Published
-
WATCH: Dustin Johnson Makes Birdie After Shank At LIV Golf Andalucia
DJ gave club golfers around the world something to smile about, as he shanked his approach on the 17th at Valderrama
By Matt Cradock Published
-
'Too Much Chaos' - Kaymer Says 2023 Ryder Cup Should Go Ahead Without LIV Europeans
The German wants LIV players to be eligible for future Ryder Cups, but admits it would be too messy for Europe to change their plans for Rome
By Paul Higham Published