'Not able to hold up': Fans saddened by Bryson DeChambeau news
Big-hitting American Bryson DeChambeau says he is "very disappointed" to have withdrawn from this week's US PGA Championship after admitting that his body was not up to the task, following recent surgery.
DeChambeau, the 2020 US Open champion, withdrew from the year's second major at Southern Hills in Oklahoma due to a left hand injury.
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The 28-year-old American, known for his long driving, underwent surgery for a broken bone at the base of his left hand after missing the cut at last month's Masters.
DeChambeau played a practice round, testing his wrist and blasting drives, before making the tough call.
"It was a huge ask for myself," DeChambeau told The Golf Channel. "I want to be 100% when I come back not 70%. Very disappointed. I want to give it my best. It's unfortunate."
DeChambeau said his wrist felt week as he struggled to put his full strength behind blasts off the tee.
"It started to feel like it was getting depleted of energy and I couldn't put my full weight into it," he said.
“I didn’t think it was going to be the right decision for me to play this week.
“For me it was going to be a stretch. This week I’m unfortunately not going to play but I want to give someone else a chance who was fully prepared and ready to go out there and be healthy.
“I could play a couple of rounds, but considering I was doing half days and feeling fatigued and tired, four days is a big stretch for me right now.
"Endurance-wise my wrist is just not able to hold up, it’s still swollen. I’ve got to give it more time.”
Bryson DeChambeau has withdrawn from the PGA Championship due to his hand injury.
Denny McCarthy is now in the field.#PGAChamp pic.twitter.com/nuzp8mh1nL— PGA Championship (@PGAChampionship) May 18, 2022
Golf is better with Bryson in contention. Dude knows he's been called every name in the book and guess what. You still wish you were him.
— dan amen (@dan_amen) May 19, 2022
I know @b_dechambeau gets a lot of hate but he was absolutely fantastic to the patrons at Southern Hills yesterday. Signing autographs for the kids, and answering questions about his game. Seems like a good dude to me..
— Cody Cackler (@cody_cackler) May 18, 2022
Your long term health is more important than one tournament. You are doing the right thing.
— Denise Wierck (@DeniseWierck) May 18, 2022
Respect the move to pull out and allow someone else into the field. Somebody going out just to wd after one round is a bad look.
— ZMurph (@zmurph014) May 18, 2022
Very smart move... just get better. Love to see you
Compete again soon— Gloria1316 (@Gloria98301702) May 19, 2022
Sad to hear it needs more time. No point in rushing tho.. you’ll have another 30+ majors🙏
— NAV (@glasskula) May 18, 2022
His departure allowed US alternate Denny McCarthy into the field for Thursday's start of the major showdown at Southern Hills.
Arguably Australia's best chance of success at the year's second major is Cameron Smith, who says the hysteria around 'Tigermania' adds another layer of complexity in Oklahoma.
Tiger Woods set to bring the crowds to Southern Hills
Smith has been thrust into a featured group behind superstars Tiger Woods, Jordan Spieth and Rory McIlroy for the opening two rounds at Southern Hills Country Club.
Australia's World No.4 acquitted himself well enough when sent out in the group in front of Woods for the first two days of last month's Masters, where he finished third.
Smith, though, did confess to feeling like a fan at times watching Woods at Augusta National and at least knows what to expect when following the 15-time major winner and his huge gallery.
"There can be a lot of external noise, especially with crowds and just a lot more moving parts I guess," Smith said ahead of Thursday's opening round.
"So yeah, just another thing to really think about. I wouldn't say I change anything.
"Just probably make sure I spend a little bit more time worrying about what's happening outside to make sure when you're inside, inside that shot, everything's perfect."
Smith's ability to block out the distractions and remain focused is set to be bolstered after working with his trainer and psychologist in the build-up to learn from past mistakes at this event - the only major where he is yet to register a top-20 finish.
"My game feels really good," he said.
"Had a bit of a refresh, the last two weeks. Had three weeks off so it was good to set the clubs down for probably 10 days, and then got back into it working hard.
"Had my trainer and psychologist over last week and did a lot of good work at home.
"Feels really good. I feel fresh."
Adam Scott is also in a big-name grouping with fellow former World No.1 and four-time major winner Brooks Koepka and 2019 Open champion Shane Lowry.
Seeking a second US PGA Championship, Jason Day plays the first two rounds with Americans Rickie Fowler and Harold Varner III.
Marc Leishman has two former US PGA champions alongside him in Germany's Martin Kaymer and American Keegan Bradley.
with agencies
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