DeChambeau causing range anxiety for Saudis

You know you’re doing something right when tournament organisers need to add extra length to the practice range.

And that’s exactly what the Saudi International needed to do recently with news that World No.9 and aspiring World Long Drive champion, Bryson DeChambeau, was returning for the-now $5 million Asian Tour event this Thursday.

Bryson DeChambeau (Credit: PGA Tour)

Last year, DeChambeau caused issues on the practice range with his balls constantly peppering the 12th hole tee, which lies at the end of the range.

Of course, this shouldn’t come as a surprise to anyone with the 2020 US Open champ leading the way on the PGA Tour with an average drive nudging 300 metres.

“Despite being at an uphill angle and about 300 yards (274 metres) long, our driving range at Royal Greens proved just a little short for Bryson last year, with a number of his drives peppering the tee box for the 12th hole behind the practice area,” said tournament director Mike Oliver.

“To counter that this year, we’ve installed a boundary fence, which will keep all the players and fans safe as Bryson warms up.”

DeChambeau is said to be bringing a new driver to the Kingdom, which he teased on Instagram last week would be his longest yet.

“Pushing boundaries year after year. The new @cobragolf LTDx Driver is a distance machine.”

DeChambeau will join defending champion Dustin Johnson, Phil Mickelson, Cameron Smith, Xander Schauffele, Marc Leishman, Lucas Herbert, Tony Finau and more at the controversial breakaway event.