How a midnight putting session on artificial turf may have cost Bryson a green jacket

Bryson DeChambeau’s preparation methods have always set him apart in professional golf. Known for his scientific approach and meticulous attention to detail, the former U.S. Open champion raised eyebrows with an unorthodox practice session the night before moving day at this year’s Masters Tournament.

According to reports, DeChambeau and several companions were walking near Lake Olmstead Friday evening when they spotted Paul Pearman’s illuminated backyard putting green. Pearman, a 64-year-old Augusta resident and artist, recognized DeChambeau and invited him to practice on his artificial putting surface.

Unconventional Equipment
The impromptu session featured DeChambeau using what Pearman described as a “Liberace putter” – a clear Lucite instrument from Pearman’s collection. DeChambeau also reportedly hit his 72-degree wedges, with Pearman describing the shots as “like someone was flying over with a Goodyear Blimp and dropping golf balls onto the flags.”

Pearman noted that his putting green, measuring 71 feet by 41 feet, features multiple undulations and a complex drainage system with “nine French drains and 15 catch basins.” He specifically designed it with numerous slopes to provide variety and challenge.

Sunday Struggles
However, DeChambeau’s putting touch abandoned him during Sunday’s critical final round. A three-putt on the short par-4 third hole, where he had aimed for a 20-foot putt, highlighted the difficulty he was experiencing. This marked the beginning of putting challenges that would continue throughout his final round.

Expert Analysis
Putting coaches and golf professionals have long cautioned against practicing on surfaces substantially different from tournament conditions – particularly before major championships. Artificial putting surfaces, while convenient, present different rolling speeds and feedback compared to natural grass.

Augusta National’s bentgrass greens are renowned for their unique characteristics and exceptional speed. Most professionals carefully limit their practice to surfaces that closely replicate tournament conditions.

Dr. James Sullivan, a sports psychologist specializing in golf performance, explains: “The brain develops motor patterns based on sensory feedback. Practicing putting on a surface with different friction, speed, and response characteristics can create conflicting patterns in a player’s stroke, especially under pressure.”

The Question Remains
While DeChambeau’s putting difficulties cannot be definitively attributed to his Friday night practice session on artificial turf, it raises questions about preparation strategies at the highest levels of competition.

As one respected putting instructor noted on condition of anonymity: “At the professional level, consistency in practice surfaces is fundamental. The margin between success and failure is so thin that even small disruptions to feel and touch can have significant consequences.”

For DeChambeau, known for statements about not practicing on anything but tournament-speed greens, the impromptu session seems to contradict his usual methodical approach.

The incident serves as a reminder that in golf, particularly at Augusta National, traditional wisdom often prevails for good reason. While innovation and unconventional methods have their place, sometimes the straightforward approach – sticking to proven preparation routines before major championships – might be the most effective strategy.