Bryson DeChambeau eyes Classic challenge

Dubai - Bringing his own flair and exuberance to the game, the 22-year-old Californian announced his arrival on the world stage in an emphatic manner when he won the US Amateur in August earlier this year, becoming the fifth player to win the tournament and the NCAA individual title in the same year.

 His confidence on a high after swinging his way into record books, Bryson DeChambeau is primed for a fresh challenge when he makes his maiden appearance in the Omega Dubai Desert Classic at Emirates Golf Club from February 4 to 7.
Bringing his own flair and exuberance to the game, the 22-year-old Californian announced his arrival on the world stage in an emphatic manner when he won the US Amateur in August earlier this year, becoming the fifth player to win the tournament and the NCAA individual title in the same year.
The achievement puts him in the elite company of Jack Nicklaus (1961), Phil Mickelson (1990), Tiger Woods (1996) and Ryan Moore (2004) as the only other players to win the NCAA and Amateur titles in one season.
"I'm in golf history, I can't believe it, but it's an honour to be mentioned in the same breath as these legends of the game," said DeChambeau, who sounded excited at the prospect of meeting and playing alongside some of the great players at the Omega Dubai Desert Classic, fondly referred to as the Major of the Middle East.
"It will be my first visit to Dubai, but I have heard many good things about the city from fellow players and know the tournament attracts a very strong field each year.
"If you look at the roll of honours, it's so impressive with some of the greatest players in the game such as Seve Ballesteors, Ernie Els, Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy becoming proud owners of the giant Arabian Coffee Pot that holds special significance to the players.
"It will feel nice to have my name written on a famous trophy, but I don't want to get ahead of time and will take things as they come. It would take something special to beat the challenge, but I will try my best and see what happens," said DeChambeau, who made his PGA Tour debut in June 2015 at the FedEx St. Jude Classic, finishing in 45th place.
"All I know is that, it will be fun playing in Dubai and I am looking forward to visiting the city where so much golf action is happening."