Bryson DeChambeau abandons sidesaddle putting, blames USGA

PALM BEACH GARDENS, FL – FEBRUARY 23: Bryson DeChambeau of the United States lines up a putt on the 17th green during the first round of The Honda Classic at PGA National Resort and Spa on February 23, 2017 in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)

Bryson DeChambeau ended 2016 looking for answers with his putting. He came up with the sidesaddle approach and stroke, believing it would be easier for him to make more putts.

After debuting the stroke and a self-fashioned putter at the Franklin Templeton Shootout in December, the transition has not been a fruitful one. Before this week, DeChambeau had missed three consecutive cuts, then suddenly withdrew from the Genesis Open, into which he was invited on a sponsor’s exemption, after just 28 holes and citing a hand injury. Fellow Web.com Tour graduate Grayson Murray called out DeChambeau for backing out at Riviera.

This week, DeChambeau came to PGA National putting conventionally. It didn’t work either, with DeChambeau missing the cut by four shots. DeChambeau, clearly frustrated, pointed the blame for his decision to abandon the sidesaddle style at the USGA, which had deemed one of the putters he submitted for approval with the intent of using it for sidesaddle putting as non-conforming, meaning he couldn’t use it.

“It [was] a long conversation,” DeChambeau said, according to Golf Digest. “But the USGA essentially doesn’t like me doing it.

“I’m pretty much done with it. They’re not a good organization, and you can quote me on that. I’m part of their family and as family it’s very frustrating to see them stunt the growth of the game.”

The USGA maintains that its lone issue with DeChambeau’s style was the equipment itself, as the SMU product was not popped by the USGA or PGA Tour after the initial issue at the Sony Open in January with the putter.

On Sunday, DeChambeau walked back his comments on Twitter.

pic.twitter.com/6CsLYe43IE

— Bryson DeChambeau (@b_dechambeau) February 26, 2017

I would like to apologize for my remarks regarding the USGA. I was stopped by a member of the media at a bad time and my emotions got the better of me. I respect the USGA and am grateful to be part of their family (as 2015 U.S. Amateur champion, among other things). My main goal is to make more putts. Over the past couple of months, I have let the distractions get in the way of my performance. My game is improving, and I’m looking forward to getting back into form at the Valspar Championship. Thank you for all your support.

Ryan Ballengee is a Yahoo Sports contributor. Find him on Facebook and Twitter.

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