Bryson DeChambeau’s Off-Course Feud with Former Coach Clouds The Open
Bryson DeChambeau’s Off-Course Feud with Former Coach Clouds The Open
Bryson DeChambeau, the celebrated LIV Golf star, is entangled in a heated personal dispute with his former coach, Mike Schy. This turmoil comes in the wake of DeChambeau’s recent US Open triumph, casting a shadow over his achievements as he prepares for The Open.
Once referring to Schy as a “second father,” DeChambeau had a close professional relationship with him until 2018. Their bond extended beyond the professional realm, with Schy organizing junior golf tournaments in California in 2023, aimed at providing affordable opportunities for young golfers. The Central Valley Jon DeChambeau Memorial Junior Tour, named in honor of Bryson’s father, started on a promising note but soon descended into chaos.
After a successful pilot and initial events, financial disagreements surfaced, leading Schy to announce the tour’s closure. In a candid interview with Golf Week, Schy accused DeChambeau of offering loans instead of grants, insinuating that the golf star “hates” non-profits. DeChambeau vehemently denied these allegations, calling them a “complete and utter lie” and criticizing Schy’s lack of a sustainable business model for the tour.
DeChambeau addressed the controversy publicly for the first time during a press conference before The Open Championship at Royal Troon. He expressed his disappointment over the private matter becoming public.
“Look, it’s an unfortunate situation. I’ve loved that man for all of my life, and it’s a private matter that went public, unfortunately,” DeChambeau stated. “We tried to figure it out and make it make sense for everyone, and it just didn’t come out that way. I’ve said all I’ve said in the Golf Week article, and to be honest, I’m moving on and looking forward to a great tournament this week. Not going to have any of that in the rear-view mirror. History is history, and things will work themselves out. They always do.”
At 30, DeChambeau has ascended to perhaps the pinnacle of golf stardom in 2024, captivating fans and delivering stellar performances. His focus now is on claiming the Claret Jug at The Open. “Very confident, obviously,” he remarked. “It all depends if I’m striking it well. I can come in here with the most confidence off of a major championship win.”
Reflecting on his recent form, DeChambeau added, “Played decent last week, as well. Really what matters is if I can continue to drive the ball as well as I have and strike my irons the way I know I can and putt the way I know I can. If I do those three things well, even four things with chipping and bunker play and on the greens, I’ll give myself a chance. I know how to get the job done. It’s just a matter of if I’m as consistent as I was at the US Open last week and a few other venues as well. If I can play the golf that I have been, I think I’ll give myself a great chance.”
As DeChambeau steps onto the greens at Royal Troon, the golf world watches closely, eager to see if he can rise above the off-course turmoil and continue his remarkable ascent in the sport.
