Bryson DeChambeau's distance gain is 'crazy', says Rory McIlroy

Bryson DeChambeau has gone from medium to extra large in his clothes size since undergoing a strict fitness regime during lockdown. Picture: Getty Images

Rory McIlroy said it was "crazy" to watch Bryson DeChambeau leave him trailing by 40 yards off the tee but is happy to be "half" the weight of the bulked up American.

DeChambeau has gone from medium to extra large in his shirt size since undergoing a strict fitness regime during the PGA Tour's three-month lockdown.

He came close to see his new approach in terms of trying to overpower courses get an instant reward when finishing joint-third behind compatriot Daniel Berger in last week's Charles Schwab Challenge in Texas.

McIlroy, who played with DeChambeau in the final round at Colonial Country Club in Fort Worth, said: "He hit a couple drives that Harry (Diamond, his caddie) and I just looked at each other, and we're like, holy shit, that was unbelievable.

"He hit one into the wind on 11. I hit a really good one and probably hit it like 315-320. He must have flew my ball by 40 yards. He hit it like 370-375 into the wind. It was crazy. It was nuts. It's unbelievable.

"I mean, it's impressive what he's doing. There's going to be courses where it works, and there's going to be courses where it won't.

"He's big. He's sort of gone down a path. He's got a conviction, and he's following it. That's what he's done.

"He's always thought outside the box and thought a little differently to most people. He's really put his mind at wanting to get longer, and he's definitely done that."

Speaking as the pair prepared to tee up in this week's RBC Heritage at Hilton Head in South Carolina, McIlroy said he had no plans to try and copy DeChambeau by gaining 30-35lbs to add more length to his game.

"I actually feel my best when I'm lighter," he added. "I feel better when I'm lighter. I feel more supple. I feel like I get a little more speed. Yeah, I don't feel great when I gain weight.

"I was probably at my lightest at the start of the season, sort of that California swing, at Torrey Pines.

"I remember weighing myself at Torrey on the Sunday morning before going out to the final round, and I was like 155. I think that's half of Bryson now."

McIlroy doesn't think DeChambeau has claimed the tag of the longest hitter on the US circuit yet, saying: "I'd still say Cameron Champ. With Cameron, it's smoother speed. It's not quite as much of an effort as Bryson's putting into it. But he's getting there."

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