American amateur Bryson DeChambeau outshines superstars in Abu Dhabi
The 22-year-old steals the limelight from big guns Rory McIlroy and Jordan Spieth in the opening round, carding a 64 to take the lead
American amateur Bryson DeChambeau stole the limelight from golf’s big guns Jordan Spieth and Rory McIlroy on his European Tour debut, seizing a first-round lead at the Abu Dhabi Golf Championship on Thursday.
The self-described “golfing scientist” sank seven birdies and an eagle in carding an eight-under par 64, a stroke clear of world number five Henrik Stenson and two ahead of four-time major winner Rory McIlroy. Top-ranked Jordan Spieth was two shots further back on 68.
READ MORE: Rory McIlroy says majors more important than Olympic gold
“I had no expectations coming into today, free-wheeled it and pretty much hit every fairway and was able to make a couple putts,” said DeChambeau, 22.
Unusually, the flat-cap-wearing physics student uses clubs that are all the same length.
“It works pretty well. It helps me keep my same posture, same setup, same everything,” said the Californian.
I had no expectations coming into today, free-wheeled it and pretty much hit every fairway