US Open champion Bryson DeChambeau has opened up on his bitter feud with his former coach Mike Schy, despite his ongoing professional triumphs.
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In the past, DeChambeau fondly referred to Schy as a "second father", with their successful collaboration lasting until 2018. Their relationship remained strong thereafter, having made notable contributions to young competitive golfing talent in their home state of California via a series of junior tournaments launched in 2023.
They jointly brought to life the Central Valley Jon DeChambeau Memorial Junior Tour, named in honour of Bryson's father, a two-time major champion. However, after witnessing initial successes and an array of tournaments, the relationship between Schy and DeChambeau soured.
A few weeks back, Schy announced online that due to financial constraints, the tournament would be discontinued. Both parties opened up to Golf Week regarding their differences. Schy accused DeChambeau of merely offering a loan instead of full-on funding and alleged that his former protege has a disdain for non-profit organisations.
In response, DeChambeau rubbished these allegations by Schy, referring to them as a "complete and utter lie". He further accused his former coach of failing to come up with a sustainable business plan suitable for the tournament.
DeChambeau addressed the revelations for the first time during his pre-tournament press conference on the eve of The Open Championship at Royal Troon, slated for this Thursday.
"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," he said. "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, like 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."
DeChambeau, 30, has become perhaps golf's biggest star in 2024, resonating with fans and playing some of the best golf of his career and he has his sights fixed firmly on lifting the Claret Jug this week.
"Very confident, obviously," he said assessing his chances. "It all depends if I'm striking it well. I can come in here with the most confidence off of a major championship win. 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."
