"That might help" - Bryson DeChambeau issued pre-Masters warning by legendary golf coach

Tiger Woods' legendary former golf coach Butch Harmon believes Bryson DeChambeau has a great chance to earn his first Masters title this week providing the American doesn't put extra pressure on himself by making any more ill-judged comments about Augusta National. 

The 32-year-old American is widely considered to be a worthy challenger to pre-tournament favourites, world number one Scottie Scheffler, and the defending champion Rory McIlroy. 

Confidence will not be in short supply for DeChambeau, with the two-time major winner having already entered the winner's circle on the PIF-backed LIV Golf League twice this season. 

And in his past two outings at the Masters, DeChambeau has recorded two top 10 finishes, including playing in the final group 12 months ago alongside his Northern Irish rival. 

"Well, I think if he walks in and doesn't say that he thinks par is 67 that might help," Harmon joked when asked about DeChambeau's chances of receiving the coveted green jacket on Sunday evening. 

The 82-year-old, who guided Woods to eight of his 15 major titles, was referencing the comments DeChambeau made before the Covid-affected Masters six years ago. 

DeChambeau explained in a Golf Channel interview that he believed, should the conditions remain benign, he viewed Augusta as a par-67 because of his length. 

DeChambeau missed two cuts in his next three trips to Augusta and expressed regret about making the comments.

It was a learning experience, DeChambeau said, and he meant no disrespect. 

"That statement was the kiss of death for anyone, not just Bryson," added Harmon. 

"Look, his game suits it there. He hits the ball a long way. He's a tremendous competitor. He putts well. And when you look at guys going to Augusta, you look who's hot coming in there, and obviously he's hot. 

"The scores he shot on LIV have been really low to win. You know, people say the competition isn't the same. Well, a win is a win, and the more you win, the more confidence you have. 

"I think he's still in a little bit of a learning process to see how to play the golf course. I think he talks about how easy it was going to be with par being 67, meaning he can reach all the par fives and so on and so forth. 

"I think if you don't put that pressure on yourself and you just go out and play, I think he will have a great chance. 

"Will he fly under the radar when he gets there and Rory and Scottie and all these others take all the press away from him? 

"I think if that happens, that makes it even easier for him. He definitely has the game for it, I guarantee that."

DeChambeau is one of 10 LIV Golf recruits in the 2026 Masters field. There were 11, but three-time Masters champion Phil Mickelson confirmed last week that a private family health matter will keep him out of action for the foreseeable future. 

It is the first time since 1994 that the Masters field will not include Woods or Mickelson. 

Woods, of course, won't be playing after being arrested on charges of driving under the influence. 

Jon Rahm, who won the Masters in 2023, is among the 10 and will believe he could add a third major to his haul this week. 

The Spaniard has dominated headlines this season for his actions off the golf course. 

The 31-year-old is in the middle of a disagreement with the DP World Tour over the fines and sanctions that have been imposed upon him for teeing up in conflicting LIV Golf events. 

Rahm has withdrawn his appeal but was the only player to refuse a settlement that would have ended the protracted saga that has rumbled on for more than 18 months. 

Harmon said he believes Rahm's current predicament, which threatens his involvement in next year's Ryder Cup, is "self-inflicted". 

He added: "I don't see where he was coming from on his little rant."

Asked about Rahm's chances, Harmon said: "Jon is another one of the best players in the world. Very strong. Augusta suits his game. Very emotional player. 

"And can he keep his emotions intact at Augusta? Which you have to do, because if you let your mind wander one little bit on one shot, it can cost you two or three shots. 

"And I think that's going to be a big thing for Jon. If he has a bad hole and misses a shot, can he just let it go and go ahead and play? He has to be one of the guys you consider, because he's such a good player. 

"But the stuff of the DP World Tour, I feel that was uncalled for. If you want to play there, there's the rules. If you don't want to play there, don't play there."

Meanwhile, Harmon believes that we shouldn't discount the chances of Brooks Koepka. 

Koepka quit LIV Golf last December and was back on the PGA Tour in January. But he has spent the majority of his return grinding to make cuts and attempting to improve his dreadful putting. 

But Harmon is confident Koepka, a five-time major winner who has finished runner-up at the Masters twice (2019, 2023), is trending in the right direction. 

"He seems to be getting better and more comfortable each week being out there," Harmon said. 

"I think when he first came out, the first event there was a lot of pressure on him. He seems to have got into a better routine. 

"I think the thing that was holding him backwards was putting, but he seems to be putting a little better. 

"He's Mr Majors so he's a guy that you have to look at. 

"I don't think a lot of people will be picking him as a favourite, but then again, he is trending in the right direction. He does have the ability to take over a big golf course like that. 

"I don't think I have an answer on what's going to happen, but I would love to see him in the mix. I think that creates even a little more controversy between LIV and the rest of the world, so it'd be fun if he gets in there."

England's charge will be led by Tommy Fleetwood, Justin Rose and Matthew Fitzpatrick. 

It's no surprise Harmon is backing Fleetwood to become the next English winner of the Masters, given the Southport native is among his pupils. 

But Fleetwood aside, Harman believes Rose's Indian Summer will continue. 

"You know, he's had three runner ups," Harman said. "He played on a very hard golf course at Torrey Pines [and] just waxed everybody. 

"He's playing with a tremendous amount of confidence. And if I had to pick someone other than the obvious ones, that's the one, I would pick."