Let’s be honest: Bryson DeChambeau might be one of the most polarizing players in golf — but you can’t argue with his ability to launch absolute missiles off the tee. And while you might not be chasing 200 mph ball speed, there’s one thing every golfer can take from his game: how he sets up to the ball.
It’s not conventional. It’s not even pretty. But it works.
And if you’re serious about getting better leverage and more consistent power without adding another gym session to your week, Bryson’s setup system might be exactly what you need.
A Setup Built for Leverage, Not Tradition
DeChambeau’s whole swing is built around the idea of reducing variables. That starts with his address position. While most of us were taught to bend the knees and relax the arms, Bryson stands tall — almost awkwardly tall — with very little knee flex. It looks more like he’s waiting in line for coffee than getting ready to smash a drive.
But there’s a method to the madness.
By standing taller and keeping his arms straight, Bryson eliminates the need to “re-extend” in the swing. What you see at setup is nearly identical to what you see at impact. That’s by design — fewer moving parts, less to time, and a better chance of squaring the clubface when it matters most.
Why the Narrow Stance Works
Here’s where it gets weirder: Bryson doesn’t even use a wide stance for stability. His feet are just slightly outside shoulder width, way narrower than most tour players.
Why? Because a narrow stance lets him shift his weight more dynamically — not laterally, but vertically.
It sounds strange, but this is where his “jump and squat” move comes into play. Bryson uses the ground like a coiled spring. He extends slightly upward in the takeaway, then pushes down hard during transition to create upward force through impact — like a basketball player loading into a jump. The narrow stance makes that motion faster and more explosive.
You won’t see this in a traditional lesson. But try it once and you’ll feel the difference immediately.
Hand Position: The Hidden Key
Look closely at his grip and you’ll notice something odd: Bryson’s left wrist is in what’s called ulnar deviation — his fingers point slightly downward, and the wrist is aligned straight with the forearm. It’s not just an aesthetic choice. This position sets his swing radius and ensures his hands don’t flip or roll through impact.
Now pair that with the massive JumboMax grips he uses. They’re more like baseball bat handles than golf grips — and that’s the point. Less wrist action, more face control. Combine that with a very weak left hand grip, and you’ve got a setup built entirely around repeatability.
No need to manipulate the face on the way down. Just set it, swing it, and trust it.
The Drill That Ties It All Together
So how do you start applying this to your own swing?
Try Bryson’s “press-off” drill.
- Set up with a narrower stance and tall posture — arms straight, wrists in line.
- In the takeaway, feel like you’re slightly rising up (yes, up) to create room.
- As you reach the top, push hard into the ground — like you’re trying to squat through your shoes.
- Pull the club down from the top with your upper body while staying planted.
This move creates what Bryson calls “angular momentum,” a blend of ground pressure and upper-body pulling that loads your swing with effortless power. It’ll feel strange at first. That’s a good sign.
Oh, and one tip that sounds bizarre but works: point your trail knee backward during the backswing to open up more hip mobility. It’s one of Bryson’s favorite hacks for gaining extra depth — and it just might help you stop swaying and start rotating better.
What Happens When It All Syncs Up
When you put it all together — the tall setup, narrow stance, straight arms, and dynamic ground forces — the swing starts to feel more like a system than a guess.
Instead of trying to “find” impact with a bunch of mid-swing compensations, you’re simply returning to the position you started in. That’s why Bryson’s swing might look robotic, but in reality, it’s freeing. It’s repeatable. And it’s crazy efficient.
Plus, that setup gives him room to create vertical force — the real secret behind his jaw-dropping speed. He’s not just swinging harder. He’s using the ground smarter.
Can the Average Golfer Use This?
You bet. You don’t have to go full Bryson to benefit.
Next time you’re on the range, experiment with:
- Standing taller and reducing knee flex
- Narrowing your stance a bit
- Keeping your arms straighter at address
- Playing with your wrist angles and grip pressure
You’ll start to notice how your body moves differently — more upward force, less side-to-side swaying, and hopefully, more consistent contact. Even if you don’t pick up 20 extra yards, the improved leverage might give you a few more fairways.
And that’s a win in any golfer’s book.
