Bryson DeChambeau in contention to defend Dubai Desert Classic

Bryson DeChambeau told the world he was going to bulk up in the gym during the off season, and that was clear for all to see on the par-4 17th on day two of the Dubai Desert Classic.

Defending champion DeChambeau, 26, moved to within one stroke of the halfway lead set by England's Eddie Pepperell after carding a solid second-round 67 to progress to 7-under par. 

The five-time PGA Tour winner raced out the blocks on Friday with three straight birdies, before handing one back at the sixth. 

He added birdies at 10, 13 and 14, and then made amends for a short missed par putt at the 15th with a monster drive that rolled just off the green at the par-4 17th - measuring 359 yards - and it led to a seventh birdie of the day - WATCH THE SHOT BELOW...

Bryson giving it EVERYTHING @b_dechambeau #ODDC pic.twitter.com/qf1XxxgamZ

— The European Tour (@EuropeanTour) January 24, 2020

"I hit it really far," said DeChambeau, who added considerable muscle mass during the months of November and December. 

"I can do that and now it's just about controlling it and if I can control it it's going to be a scary combo."

DeChambeau has fallen to a current 17th in the world rankings and has failed to win a tournament since winning last year's Dubai Desert Classic. 

Pepperell hit the front in a similar manner to DeChambeau with seven birdies and two bogeys in a round of 67, moving the Englishman one stroke clear of the American, Sweden's Robert Karlsson and South Africa's Dean Burmester who was involved in a car crash on Wednesday.

Tommy Fleetwood carded the round of the day with an exceptional 7-under 65 highlighted with five birdies on the closing nine. The Englishman moved up to 4-under par for the tournament.