International Series India: There's something about Bryson

'Scientist' DeChambeau The Biggest Draw At International Series event
GURUGRAM: This IS Golf, scream the banners at the DLF Golf & Country Club with the obvious reference to the International Series being staged here. And this is BRYSON, the striking image of the American golfer tells you he is upper class. He is not Tiger Woods but the next best thing for the game as the larger-than-life DeChambeau continues to pique interest with his approach, inclusivity and smash hits.
With registration for tickets sold out on the last three days, people are curious to see the man called the 'Scientist' and the rest of the stars in the LIV golf firmament.
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The much-travelled Paul Casey, playing his 25th year of pro golf, finds the world of LIV "a college team atmosphere". "You travel together, stay in the same hotels, and share experiences, which fosters deeper friendships," he talks of the bond with his 'brothers', Anirban (Lahiri) and Bryson of the Crushers GC.
It was at Anirban's request that the duo added India to their swing tour. "I love him to death," says Bryson.
And the 31-year-old is enjoying the love he is receiving.
Not too long ago, the reigning US Open champion was a divisive figure on the USPGA Tour but things changed when he made the big leap to LIV for $125 million.
With more time, space and money to recreate and influence the golf world, DeChambeau got a makeover as a YouTube content creator. To put things in perspective, the two-time Major winner has a following of 1.7 million on the video sharing platform while PGA Tour has 1.5 million; Okay, in the Instagram stakes, he got beaten 2.2 million to 5 million but the message has been delivered.
"It's great to have YouTube as a place for me to show who I am. It's really important not to just take people at face value but to try to understand who they actually are. Going to LIV and being able to produce a lot of content; Everybody that's around me, whether it's my agent, manager, caddy, everyone has had a big impact on my life. And look, you mess up, but you learn from those mistakes. I think that's a beautiful part about life. And I do believe everyone should have an opportunity to have a second chance if it's not too bad, right?" his appeal was heard, trial long dismissed.
Having majored in physics in Dallas, Texas, Bryson has always been a math freak. From studying geometry of dimples on golf balls to constant tinkering of his clubs to experimenting with body weight, he redefined golf on his own terms with his obsession for numbers. His monster 480-yard drive is still the yardstick, although he will hesitate to strike gold on the "strategic" Gary Player course. "It's diabolical," he made his judgment. "There's a lot going on. You have to plot your way around, be very technical, methodical, and you can't overpower it. So 16 through 18 is a great stretch of golf. It is gettable," he probably connected the dots in his mind.
Talking about his meticulous routine, the World No. 12 divulged his "practice makes perfect" approach.
"I think everybody has a different mental approach to it. My personal approach is to practice as hard as I possibly can. And that instills a sort of feel for me, where I can create this repeatable motion, where I can do it again and again and again. And from a mental side, if I can just continue to produce the same motion over and over again, that'll bring confidence in myself."
That is how DeChambeau sets the wheel in motion.
"If I'm struggling and not confident, that means I haven't worked either hard enough or something's not aligning in my golf swing to make it as repeatable as it can be."
There are lessons learnt every day. Three putts on the par-5 18th was fine on Pro-Am Wednesday but when the $2million tournament tees off today, there will be no repeat of this as the 6-ft 1-in man from Modesto will shake off the rust, put up a show, and make new friends and fans along the way.
Tee time: 12.05pm - Bryson DeChambeau (USA); Joaquin Niemann (Chi), John Catlin (USA)
Bryson DeChambeau
On his mission: "The ability for golf as changing from an older sport into a young sport, is to showcase what golf can mean for the future generations of India. That's always inspired me. My mission in the game of golf is to first off, inspire, entertain, and a subtle part of it is to educate as well.”
On visiting the Taj Mahal: I felt like there was a lot of love. I feel like people just respected the place beyond belief. I was fortunate enough to go downstairs and actually see where they're laid to rest. And it was pretty special. Being down there, it felt... I mean, it was serene and blissful. You look at the backdrop and the colours of the sky and the white marble and the intricacies of how the building was built, how the Taj was built. I can tell you it's one of the most beautiful pieces of architecture I've ever seen in my entire life. So, it was amazing. It was a great experience.”
On Anirban: I think Anirban is an upstanding individual. He genuinely cares about the game of golf. He genuinely cares about his own country. And I have high regard for people that genuinely care about their country and want the best for their country, right? And so when he asked me to do it, I really didn't question it. I really didn't think much of it. Everybody was saying, why are you even doing this? I love him to death. He's the guy I picked in 2022, started in Boston after the LIV event. I picked him and he played really well for his second. And it's just been a great friendship ever since then. And I knew him before LIV, played the PGA Championship. But with him, I played a practice round at Southern Hills. And so I kind of got to know him then. Once he jumped over, I was like, this is the guy I want. And he was consistent, he's really good. And he'll provide for the team. So not only is this his golf game, but he really stands for something each and every day. He's got a great family. And there's just too many good things I have to say about it.
Paul Casey
On LIV Golf: This is probably my 25th year as a professional, and the challenge here is different. With LIV’s 54-hole format, there is no place to hide. The shorter schedule means you must perform immediately. Unlike other tours where you can pick your events, here, you play every week. That has energized me over the last couple of years. It makes for a tougher but more rewarding experience.
Playing in India: I’m really excited to be here. My usual caddie, John McLaren, isn’t here this week, but he texted me, intrigued about what my experience would be like. After playing hundreds of events worldwide, it’s rare to visit a new country. Playing here has been an incredible experience—both on and off the course. Just today, I played the 17th hole for the first time. I was warned about it! And of course, visiting the Taj Mahal was an unforgettable experience.
On Anirban: Anirban has been an incredible guide, showing me India in a way only he can. We were acquaintances before LIV, but since becoming teammates, I can say he’s now one of my best friends. You don’t get to know people this well on most tours because of the larger fields and constant travel. But on LIV, it’s like a college golf team again.
On his injury: I am the definition of rusty! I had toe surgery in September—bone-on-bone in my right toe joint. They shaved the bone, cleaned out spurs, and pulled some ligaments through to act as cushioning. Recovery has taken longer than expected. Today was only my third round of golf since September, so I’m working my way back into form. The best way to regain shape is to play, so I’m excited to be here.
Anirban Lahiri
On memories: The first time I played here was in 1999, in Category C at the Northern India Juniors. It brings back a lot of memories. In fact, today my dad is here, and we were reminiscing about those days when this was considered way out of town. Now, it’s very much in town. A lot has changed, but the fond memories remain.
On the buzz: When I look back, I realize how much I have learned and how much water has flowed under the bridge. I continue to grow as a player and as a person. The last time I felt this kind of buzz was when Tiger Woods visited DGC. This is a similar vibe, and it’s fantastic to be part of it.
On promoting golf in India: I’m trying to stay focused because I’m here as a competitor first. But I love the responsibility and am grateful to Paul, Bryson, Joaquin, and everyone who agreed to come. Hats off to DLF—they’ve gone the extra mile to elevate everything. I hope we reach the 8,000–10,000 spectators per day mark because that will be a landmark achievement for golf in India.
Tournament info
*Debut of the LIV Golf-backed series in India.
*1st of 10 elevated events on this season's Asian Tour