10 things tour pros are talking about

We asked a group of European Tour players, from rookies to winners, what’s currently on their minds

- Mark Townsend

1 THE BRYSON EFFECT

There’s plenty of negativity around DeChambeau, but, among the pros, there’s plenty of respect for how he’s raised his game in the past year.

While one admitted that there were “mixed reviews” from the players themselves, there is an overwhelming appreciation for having the courage to give it a go in such a particular manner.

“I don’t think many are taking the Bryson thing too seriously, while I actually am,” one revealed. “Wilco [Nienaber] on our tour is swinging it at 130mph comfortably. I thought 120 was a big deal five years ago; soon that number will be 130. And there’s still miles of room up to the long-drive boys who are at 150! This will get faster and faster.”

Length is crucial and always has been. One shorter hitter told us: “Certain courses suit me more than others and I need to take advantage. Other weeks if I finish top 30 then that isn’t bad at all.”

Another added: “I’d say most people like Bryson. From the people I have spoken to, 100 per cent have nothing but respect for what he has done. I suppose we realise just how hard it is to do what he has done, whereas the golf public seem to think he has somehow cheated the system. I played with him a few years ago and he was great. He has remembered me when we have met since then and is always good to chat to. My only gripe would be his pace of play, but big-name players playing slow and not getting pulled up on it isn’t unusual!”

2 APPEARANCE FEES