Masters chiefs hit back after Bryson DeChambeau’s claim he’ll obliterate 445-yard first hole at Augusta

MASTERS chiefs have called on golf’s governing bodies to ‘protect the integrity of the sport’ in the wake of Bryson DeChambeau’s hard hitting exploits. Powerful DeChambeau wants to pummel the traditional Augusta course at this year’s Masters with his new driver. But Masters chairman Fred Ridley is uneasy about the situation, worrying that the Augusta […]

MASTERS chiefs have called on golf’s governing bodies to ‘protect the integrity of the sport’ in the wake of Bryson DeChambeau’s hard hitting exploits.

Powerful DeChambeau wants to pummel the traditional Augusta course at this year’s Masters with his new driver.

Rex

Bryson DeChambeau is among the favourites to win this year’s Masters[/caption]

But Masters chairman Fred Ridley is uneasy about the situation, worrying that the Augusta course could be rendered obsolete.

He said: “We do have the ability to make any number of changes to protect the integrity of the course.

“But we hope there will not come a day when the Masters will have to be played at 8,000 yards to achieve that objective.

“The game is at an important crossroads, so we will continue to urge the governing bodies to put forward thoughtful solutions as soon as possible.”

Ridley, 68, then warned: “If no action is taken then we need to look at other options.”

DeChambeau, 27, is set to tee off at 6:36pm UK time, and has teased a secret weapon to help him obliterate the competition.

He said: “There’s something in the bag this week that’s very helpful.

“I won’t go into specifics but just know this has been a few years in the making and I’m very excited for it.

Reuters

Fred Ridley is concerned about the ‘integrity’ of the course[/caption]

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“Whether it helps me perform at a higher level, I’m not sure, because it’s golf and you never know what happens.

“Definitely what I’ve seen on the driving range and what I’ve seen the last week in practice, there’s some tremendous benefits to it.”

The American was this week seen hammering drives as far as possible using his bulked up frame.

DeChambeau, who leads the PGA Tour in driving distance, said: “I’ve never seen the course this fast so early before and I honestly don’t know if it will hurt or help me, but I do love the challenge.

“I think my length will help tremendously in enabling me to hit short irons into greens this hard, but we all know at this place length is only as good as you hit your next shot.”