AUGUSTA, Ga. — You may or may not like Bryson DeChambeau.
And if you don’t, it’s possible you’ve fallen into a trap of being misled into a bit of a misconception about who he is and wants to be.
Because, for all of his quirks — and he’ll be the first to raise his hand and cop to having his share — DeChambeau is well-meaning with his heart in the right place.
It’s just that he’s sometimes gotten in his own way with some lack of self-awareness with no one to give him advice, and that’s made him one of the most polarizing figures in the sport — for good or bad.
On Thursday at blustery Augusta National in the first round of the Masters, DeChambeau didn’t get into his way at all, shooting a scorching 7-under 65 to seize the tournament lead by a stroke over Scottie Scheffler.
Afterward, the 30-year-old Californian, who’s playing on the LIV Golf tour now, sounded more mature and self-aware than the DeChambeau you may have heard speak in the past.
“Trying to be a robot is always something I’ve tried to do, but it’s not something that’s feasible in this game that’s ever-changing,’’ DeChambeau said.
DeChambeau has been criticized for his mechanical, mad-scientist outlook on the game. He’s been laughed at for using all of his irons at the same length. He’s been ridiculed for his hulking-up phase in 2019-20, when he was bent on bulking up his body to overpower courses.
Credit DeChambeau, though, for realizing the bulking-up thing wasn’t a good idea nor sustainable for the good of his health or his game and slimming down, dialing it back.
“It’s been a journey, to say the least, one that I have thoroughly enjoyed, but also it’s taken a big toll on me in numerous situations,’’ DeChambeau said. “I’ve learned a lot from it.’’
The weird thing about this start for DeChambeau is how he’s curiously struggled at the Masters in his career.
Since he finished as the low amateur in 2016 with a tie for 21st, DeChambeau has yet to better that as a pro. He’s finished tied for 38th, tied for 29th, tied for 34th, tied for 46th and missed the cut the past two years.
“Why have I struggled? I don’t know. Only God knows that,’’ DeChambeau said. “It’s more just getting older. I’m 30 now, and I’m not old, I still feel like I’m a youngster, but it’s definitely taken time to get comfortable and getting to a place where no matter what happens today, I’m OK.
“Taking that perspective has definitely enlightened me a little bit and allowed me to play a little more free.’’
DeChambeau looked free from the start on Thursday, carding birdies on the first three holes. He closed his round with birdies on five of his final seven holes.
“It was a clinic,’’ Gary Woodland, one of DeChambeau’s playing partners for the first two rounds, said after shooting a 4-over 76.
It was just a few years ago when DeChambeau was in his Incredible Hulk stage and he told reporters Augusta National was like a par-67 to him because of his length and the four par-5s that are reachable in two.
That comment didn’t go over very well, because it made him look arrogant with a disrespect for the game and Augusta.
“Regarding the 67 comment, you mess up,’’ he said. “I’m not a perfect person. Everybody messes up. You learn from your mistake, and that was definitely one.’’
I asked DeChambeau in what ways he believes people have a misperception of him.
“I’m a very passionate individual, and some people can take that in a pretty negative way,’’ he said. “I think it’s a pretty big misconception that I’m divisive. I’m really not. I don’t try to be. It may come off that way because I’m passionate about certain things and certain subjects.
“I respect everybody’s opinion and what they think. I’m just learning to be myself and continuing to be OK with what happens.’’
DeChambeau’s game has evolved just as his maturity has.
“Winning at Winged Foot helped me understand how to win big tournaments,’’ DeChambeau said of his 2020 U.S. Open victory.
He said he’s “dealt’’ with criticisms regarding his outlook on things “my whole life.’’
“I was always different growing up and I learned pretty quickly that not everybody is going to agree with you or like what you’re doing,’’ he said. “My mom always told me to respect others and treat others the way you want to be treated. I try to do that as much as possible.
“The past couple years, a lot has happened in my life,’’ DeChambeau, whose father Jon died in 2022, said. “You realize the frailty of life and how precious it is. You can’t figure everything out, and you’re not always going to be right.’’
DeChambeau has often come across as someone who has everything figured out, and that’s turned people off. He understands that more now, seems to be more at peace with it.
“Respecting that, respecting Father Time and understanding that … enjoy the ride,’’ he said. “Smell the roses.’’
