The Big Lead

Bryson DeChambeau is Off to a Great Start as a Pro

By Michael Shamburger

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Bryson DeChambeau, who I picked to win the RBC Heritage, finished tied for fourth, just four strokes behind winner Branden Grace. DeChambeau, who was playing on a sponsor’s exemption, had a solid PGA Tour debut. So solid that it’s better than any of the current BIG 3’s debut on Tour and better than Tiger Woods’s debut.

  • Jason Day finished T-67 at the 2006 John Deere Classic
  • Rory McIlroy finished T-42 at the 2007 British Masters
  • Jordan Spieth missed the cut at the 2013 Farmers Insurance Open
  • Tiger Woods finished T-60 at the Greater Milwaukee Open

Take it for what it’s worth, but DeChambeau had a blistering start at the Masters and was close to ending up in the final pairing heading into the weekend until a triple bogey on the 18th hole on Friday. He then faltered a little bit more on Saturday, but still finished as the low amateur of the tournament.

DeChambeau is one of only five golfers to win both the U.S. Amateur and NCAA Individual Championship in the same year, joining Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson, Jack Nicklaus and Ryan Moore.

"“It’s tough to really sum up,” said DeChambeau of his pro debut. “What I can tell you is it’s been quite a journey so far these past couple of weeks. It’s an honor to be playing out here with these big boys, trying to do my best. Hopefully, I can keep competing out there, and hopefully, I can get a couple of wins out there.”"

For DeChambeau to earn his PGA Tour card for the rest of the season, which would be a PGA Tour Special Temporary Membership, he needs to earn what the 150th ranked player in the FedExCup standings would earn, that was 361 points last year, over his seven allotted sponsor exemptions and any other starts he gains entry into through top 10 finishes or qualifying. He earned 122.5 non-member points for his finish at Harbour Town, which leaves him 238.5 away from a spot in the top 150.

Because he finished in the top 10 at the RBC Heritage, he automatically qualifies for a spot into the Valero Texas Open this week, which means he can save a sponsor exemption for another day.

If DeChambeau can earn as many points, 458 last year, or as much money, $747,899 dollars, as the 125th ranked FedExCup player, he will earn his card for the 2016-2017 season. He’s only $488,299 away from that number after his first tournament as a professional.

DeChambeau gave up his automatic entry into the U.S. Open and Open Championship in order to turn pro last week and work on gaining his PGA Tour card.

Of course if DeChambeau can collect a win, he could automatically earn his PGA Tour card for the rest of the season and the next two seasons.

[HT GNN]