Bryson DeChambeau‘s unconventional approach to the game has always generated curiosity and occasionally controversy. DeChambeau is smack dab in the middle of the action at the 2024 Masters. He was tied for first place, with Scottie Scheffler, and Max Homa after the second round ended. His stellar display of skills has caught everyone by storm this year, and along with his new fitness regime, one other thing deserves the credit.
As a one-of-a-kind set, DeChambeau’s new irons cost an astounding $10,000 to construct, according to golf page @Flushingitgolf on X. These clubs have a “more forgiving face bulge,” which makes off-center hits fly straighter. Only a few days before the Masters, the United States Golf Association (USGA) authorized the usage of these irons.
Fans and critics alike have long been intrigued by Bryson DeChambeau’s commitment to consistently pushing the boundaries of both technology and golf skills. As @flushingitgolf posted, “You have to admire his motivation to continuously push the boundaries of technology and swing mechanics. He does it his own way, and his own way is leading the Masters.”
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Bryson DeChambeau has a new set of 3D printed irons in his bag this week that cost roughly 10k to produce a one off set. They have a more forgiving face bulge allowing off centre hits to fly straighter and were only approved by the USGA on Tuesday.
You have to admire his… pic.twitter.com/2XXIOyn1hc
— Flushing It (@flushingitgolf) April 13, 2024
While the scientist is vying for the historic green jacket to secure his lifetime Masters invitation, his 3D-printed irons have stirred up a lot of controversy in the golf realm! Fans seem to think that using these irons is equivalent to cheating! The golfer was once accused of cheating in his teenage years of golfing; hence, these accusations are a bit shocking.
Fans hound DeChambeau with “cheating” allegations
Nonetheless, golf enthusiasts have reacted negatively, with many accusing DeChambeau of cheating. One user put it simply, “Aka – Cheating.” This response is in line with the belief held by a large number of fans that 1x major champion has an unfair advantage over other players due to his use of specially manufactured irons. The fan’s direct accusation brings up the question: is innovation cheating?
Going further, one fan said, “This is blatant cheating, lmfao?” The intensity of some golf enthusiasts’ outrage and amazement over DeChambeau’s use of the specially manufactured irons is apparent in this heated language. The fan seems to convey a degree of skepticism and contempt towards what they see as an obvious attempt to gain an unfair edge.
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Some fans think it’s quite troubling that the USGA approved the new technology. “I think the USGA approving a new technology that gives one man an advantage is WRONG,” a commenter stated. This implies that these supporters see the USGA’s ruling as a violation of the basic principles of fair play and equal competition found in golf.
I think the USGA approving a new technology that gives one man an advantage is WRONG
— Tim West (@87Spider) April 13, 2024
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The underlying complaint from supporters appears to be that DeChambeau is making up for his faults using technology. As one fan pointed out, “His way—he can’t hit real irons so have to modify clubs to help his poor play.” Some fans don’t think DeChambeau’s use of cutting-edge equipment is a true testament to his golfing prowess, but rather that it is a kind of cheating.
Disgruntled golf fans have once again cast doubt on Bryson DeChambeau’s achievement by accusing him of cheating. While the golfer’s dedication to pushing the limits of technology is obvious, it has sparked a fierce debate within the golfing community. What are your thoughts on the matter? Let us know in the comments below! For minute-by-minute updates of the 88th Masters’, follow the blog!