Bryson DeChambeau Makes ANGC “Different”: Cancer Survivor Gary Woodland Promptly Praises the LIV Golfer

Bryson DeChambeau, an American professional golfer, has had a love-hate relationship with the prestigious Augusta National Golf Club (ANGC) and its traditional par-72 layout. The Masters Tournament, held annually at ANGC, is one of the most prestigious events in professional golf, and DeChambeau's unconventional views on the course have not always been welcomed with open arms by its purists.

In 2020, during an interview with the media, DeChambeau caused a stir when he suggested that the Augusta National Golf Club could be considered a par-67 course instead of its traditional par-72 layout. This comment did not sit well with many in the golf community, who saw it as a disrespectful and arrogant statement towards the hallowed grounds of the Masters Tournament.

DeChambeau's comment came during a time when he was in the midst of a remarkable transformation in his game, having gained significant weight and strength in an attempt to add distance to his drives and improve his overall power game. This new approach had paid off for him, as he had recently won the US Open Championship in September 2020, and was looking forward to competing at the Masters in November of that year, which was rescheduled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Despite the backlash from some in the golf world, one person who was quick to come to DeChambeau's defense was Gary Woodland, a cancer survivor and a fellow PGA Tour player. Woodland, who had won the US Open in 2019, praised DeChambeau for his unique perspective and his ability to challenge the status quo in golf.

"Bryson is a thinker, and he sees things differently than most of us," Woodland said in an interview with Golf Digest. "He's not afraid to speak his mind, and I respect that. He may have a different take on Augusta National, but that's what makes golf great - we all have our own opinions and ways of approaching the game."

Woodland, who had undergone treatment for Hodgkin's lymphoma in 2017, also acknowledged the challenges that come with being a cancer survivor and the importance of staying positive and embracing new perspectives.

"I've been through some tough times in my life, and I know that having a positive attitude and a strong mindset can make all the difference," Woodland said. "Bryson's comment about Augusta may not be popular with everyone, but I think it's important for us to remember that golf is a game, and we should all be open to new ideas and ways of thinking."

DeChambeau finished tied for 34th place at the 2020 Masters, but his comment about the course continued to generate buzz and controversy in the golf world long after the tournament was over. Regardless of whether or not one agrees with his assessment of the course, it is clear that DeChambeau's unique perspective and willingness to challenge convention has made him a polarizing figure in the game of golf, and his impact on the sport is undeniable.

As for Woodland, his support for DeChambeau and his positive attitude towards adversity serve as an inspiration for all of us, both on and off the golf course. His words of encouragement remind us that sometimes, it's the different perspectives and the unique voices that challenge us to think differently and push us to be our best selves.