Bryson DeChambeau Leads LIV Golf Korea, Enjoys Korean Culture

By Yoo Jee-ho BUSAN, May 28 (Yonhap) -- LIV Golf superstar Bryson DeChambeau arrived in Busan this week as the defending champion of LIV Golf Korea and a massive fan favorite. And South Korea is also quickly becoming one of the American golfer's favorite countries, too. DeChambeau shared the first-round lead at LIV Golf Korea after shooting five-under 65 with seven birdies and two bogeys at Asiad Country Club in this southeastern city. DeChambeau played in a marquee group featuring South Korean player An Byeong-hun, but the American golfer with two career major titles had just as much support as An, if not more, on this hot Thursday afternoon. "The support was fantastic out there. We had a great crowd for Thursday, so really impressed and can't wait to see what Korea brings out this weekend," DeChambeau said. "It's a lot of fun. You know, Koreans love their golf. I think it's quite special when you bring world class players like this to Korea where they don't see it very often, we give them a different type of show." DeChambeau was referring to long bombs off the tee that he and David Puig of Spain, the third member of Thursday's group, launched in the opening round. Ultimately, however, DeChambeau said his putting will have to be the key if he were to defend his crown. "For me, it's a lot about putting, making sure I'm rolling it on my lines consistently," he said. "I felt like I struck the ball pretty well out there. I changed my golf swing a little bit. I've been working on some hip-turn stuff that's allowed me to feel freer through impact. But the putting is what I have to focus on to make sure I'm rolling it well and not three-putting." When he is not busy trying to win for the second straight year in South Korea, DeChambeau has been exploring Busan, the second-largest city in South Korea known for its beaches and vibrant nightlife. Asked what he has been doing away from the course, DeChambeau broke into a big smile and said, "A lot of Korean barbecue. It's my favorite." "We walked around downtown a bit. It's been fun getting to see the culture," he continued. "I got some new skincare stuff from Olive Young. So hopefully, I look better from it now. I think I do but the consensus is from you guys."