Bryson's Lousy Handshake: Keep Calm And Carry On
/Of course his brusque handshake was rude. But any sports fan who watches tennis or college basketball knows there have been thousands of equally as quick and chilly handshakes in the heat of battle. The difference in Bryson DeChambeau's brisk congratulatory post-round greeting: freshly-minted winner McEvoy did nothing to warrant rudeness other than make a putt at the 18th green and finally win when a young, passionate player made a major mess of the last hole.
For this, DeChambeau has apologized.
But on a weekend when Sergio Garcia could have hurt someone (or himself) tomahawking his clubs, the reaction to DeChambeau's incredible final round meltdown is threatening to get out of hand.
Are folks just relishing the chance to pick on DeChambeau, who makes his share of detractors with extreme confidence? After all, he took of his hat and did shake hands with his playing partner, albeit in rapid fashion.
When he's not running hot, DeChambeau can actually be one of golf's more respectful young players. He calls adults he doesn't know Mr. or Mrs., studies the history of the game, and wants to set a fine example. That he doesn't exhibit this side more often and to the frustration of many is for him to work out.
In a sport where we have seen so few genuine characters in recent years, it would be a shame to see DeChambeau's individuality and eccentricity muted by a Zapruder-like analysis of a split-second action.
Granted, the recent signs of excess stress--including this amazing Golf Channel footage from The Open--are disconcerting for a player on the cusp of making his first Ryder Cup team. Yes, the desperation and frustration with his game should be noted and he probably needs a short vacation. But to rule him out of Ryder Cup consideration because he did not make perfect eye contact to the liking of some, seems excessive.
