Introduction
Bryson DeChambeau is known for redefining how modern golf is played, particularly when it comes to distance. While his power off the tee draws headlines, it’s his iron distances that puzzle—and impress—most golfers. Why does his pitching wedge go as far as your 9-iron? The answer lies in a carefully engineered combination of strengthened lofts, single-length shafts, and biomechanical efficiency.
This article explores the specifics of Bryson’s iron setup, why his distances differ so dramatically from traditional expectations, and what golfers can learn from his approach.
Strengthened Lofts: Turning a PW Into a 9-Iron
One of the most noticeable differences in Bryson’s irons is the loft configuration. Traditional iron sets follow a progressive loft structure where a pitching wedge typically has about 45–46 degrees of loft. Bryson’s clubs are much stronger:
Club | Typical Loft (°) | Bryson’s Loft (°) | Bryson’s Stock Yardage |
---|---|---|---|
Pitching Wedge | 46 | ~41 | ~150 yards |
9 Iron | 41 | ~37 | ~165 yards |
8 Iron | 37 | ~33 | ~180 yards |
7 Iron | 34 | ~29 | ~195 yards |
6 Iron | 30 | ~25 | ~210 yards |
5 Iron | 27 | ~20 | ~225 yards |
4 Iron | 24 | ~18 | ~240 yards |
By reducing the loft by 4–6 degrees per club, he effectively shifts each iron down a full number in distance. This allows him to hit a 7-iron with the distance of a typical 5-iron.
One Setup, One Swing: The Role of Single-Length Shafts
Bryson uses single-length irons, all built to the length of a traditional 7-iron—roughly 37.5 inches. This setup means the same ball position, spine angle, and swing plane for every shot. Longer shafts on typically shorter clubs (like the PW) generate more clubhead speed and promote consistency throughout the set.
Equipment Customization: Grips, Lie Angles, and Iron Design
His gear is not off-the-shelf. Bryson’s setup features JumboMax oversized grips that reduce wrist action, upright lie angles to suit his one-plane swing, and Cobra King One Length irons specifically designed with strong lofts and perimeter weighting to stabilize contact.
Distance Through Speed and Efficiency
Bryson’s swing mechanics allow him to achieve ball speeds with his irons that most amateurs only see with their drivers. A 7-iron at 150+ mph ball speed and a pitching wedge at 130+ mph exemplify the efficiency of his setup and technique. Reduced spin and optimized launch angles support this high-speed performance.
Is This Setup Right for You?
Bryson’s equipment is highly personalized. However, aspects of his approach may benefit amateur golfers. If you struggle with distance gaps or consistency, experimenting with slightly stronger lofts or single-length irons may yield positive results. Oversized grips can offer more hand control, especially for players with active wrists.
Equipment Options to Explore
Here are several products that align with the core features of Bryson’s setup:
Product | Key Feature | Amazon Link |
Cobra KING RADSPEED One Length | Bryson-inspired single-length set with strong lofts | View on Amazon |
Cobra FLY-XL One Length Set | Game improvement design in single-length format | View on Ebay |
JumboMax Tour Series Grips | Oversized grips for wrist control | View on Amazon |
Closing Thoughts
Bryson DeChambeau hits his irons so far because he breaks the mold in nearly every way: stronger lofts, longer shafts, precise biomechanics, and unconventional gear. While not all golfers will benefit from copying his setup directly, understanding his approach offers insights into how equipment and technique can work together to maximize performance.
For those seeking to hit their irons farther with more control, exploring loft adjustments and single-length clubs could be worth the experiment. Just make sure to test, fit, and adapt thoughtfully.