Bryson ‘The Scientist’ DeChambeau turned meteorologist in adding a two-under par 68 to his opening 69 and be proudly sharing second place at three-under the end of round two at Winged Foot.
Former Masters champ, Patrick Reed birdied the last in a round of 70 to lead the field by a shot at four-under par.
DeChambeau, 27 and contesting a 17th career major and a sixth U.S. Open, brilliantly eagled his last hole but after what was a roller-coaster showing where remarkably on four occasion he posted a bogey but then at the very hole is grabbed birdie.
The reigning Rocket Mortgage champ is known for his bizarre ‘scientific’ ways hence his nick-name ‘The Scientist’ and so much so, Bridgestone picked-up on the theme in a great TV commercial featuring DeChambeau as the ‘Mad Scientist’ and Tiger Woods a clearly confused pupil.
However, there’s now a meteorologist side of DeChambea as revealed at his post scond round Winged Foot interview, and with DeChambeau disclosing he sensed a cold front moving into Winged Foot on early on Thursday evening so he headed back to the course for a late-night practice session.
It led to one marshall mentioning that in seeing DeChambeau back on the range that he left it to the current World No. 9 to put out the milk bottles and cat, and make sure you lock-up.
However, as bizarre as it all sounds it was a decision that paid off for the likeable 27-year old chasing a maiden Major.
Bryson De Chambeau day two 2020 US Open (Photo – PGA Tour)
“I was out here last night, I knew it was going to be cooler and so I waited and was able to hit balls almost in the dark,” he said.
“I knew it was going to be in similar conditions so we got some good numbers with my wedges and I felt really comfortable today.”
And in speaking of his round DeChambeau remarked: “I felt like a lot of things were working well for me. I was driving it well. My iron play was impeccable.
“When I got into trouble, I wasn’t able to get out of it as well today as yesterday, but when I was in the fairway I was able to attack and take advantage, and finished really well today.
“I hit a great drive on 6, great drive on 8, great shot on 7, and a great drive on 9 that just set me up to be able to attack that flag today, and that was a fun way to finish off at a U.S. Open so far.
“It’s great”.
Spain’s Rafa Cabrera-Bello, and with Irish caddy Colin Byrne, calling the shots moved into second place in adding a 70 to his opening 68.
DeChambeau and Cabrera-Bello were among just four players, the other two – Americans Patrick Reed and Harris English – under par compared to 21 players who were under par on day one.
