Golfer Bryson DeChambeau tests bizarre new putting technique where he stands face on to the hole
DeChambeau is nicknamed the 'golf scientist' thanks to his attempts to re-invent golf swings which he gets from his physics degree
GOLFER Bryson DeChambeau, the self-appointed "golf scientist", has unveiled his latest innovation - putting FACING the hole.
Putting "side-saddle" means the golfer does not stand perpendicular to the line of the putt, instead with the chest facing the hole - much like croquet.
DeChambeau, 23, who is one of the rising stars of the game, used the technique on the PGA Tour this week - not breaking any rules of the game in the process.
The American is a physics graduate from the Southern Methodist University in Dallas and has wants to revolutionise golf using science.
He showed off the bizarre-looking new technique in competition at the Franklin-Templeton Shootout in Florida on Thursday- and sank one long-range birdie putt.
It involves DeChambeau standing facing his target, with his ball slightly outside his right foot, and gripping the club in an unorthodox fashion.
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His right hand is extended halfway down the shaft and pointing downwards, while his left hand grips both the club and all of his left wrist.
Swinging the putter is done in a similar way to a croquet player might use a mallet, swinging straight back and then through the line of the putt.
In October, he said: "‘I think it's an easier way to putt and could be another game-changer like the one-length irons."
He loves infusing science with his golf swing, and has adapted his normal swing when using woods and irons to make it a lot straighter - not cocking his wrists - as he believes that will enhance his game.
He added: "I am an artist. I love creating things. And that’s ultimately why I’ve become so scientific.”
It's not madcap though, as DeChambeau made a name for himself last year when he became only the fifth player ever to win both of America’s most prestigious amateur tournaments - the US Amateur and the NCAA Division 1 Championship – in the same year.
He has finished 21st at the Masters and 15th at the US Open earlier this year - and his other quirks include using clubs with exactly the same length shaft – 37.5in, whereas a normal set of irons decrease in length as the face gets more lofted.
Legendary American golfer Sam Snead tried putting face-on in the 1960's, but the United States Golf Association banned him from doing it 1968.