“He’s looking for a unicorn” - Cobra Golf slams Bryson DeChambeau’s driver demands
Bryson DeChambeau became an equipment-free agent in 2022 after his contract with Cobra Golf expired. Ping spokesman Pete Samuels recently revealed that the American golfer was hitting Ping products in practice.
DeChambeau relationship with Cobra Golf ended for unknown reasons as the brand chose not to renew his contract. Now, weeks after their split, the brand's PGA Tour rep has revealed that the golfer’s ‘ridiculous’ driver demands had some role to play in their decision.
Speaking to Golfweek about DeChambeau hitting Ping products in Arizona with his swing coach Chris Como, Pete Samuels:
“Chris (Como) often brings his players into our Lab to analyze swing dynamics from a coaching standpoint… Our engineering team also observes and learns from visits like this as we capture useful swing data. That was the primary reason for the visit, but Bryson did test Ping product as well.”
Interestingly, Cobra’s PGA Tour rep Ben Schomin addressed the LIV golfer's latest practice with Ping. He issued a friendly warning to the company about the type of client the golfer is. The rep opened up about the golfer’s statement claiming that drivers’ technology was not up to his level.
Speaking about the LIV golfer, Ben Schomin said:
“I wish him all the best. But it’s going to be a struggle just because of what he wants to do… It was such an asinine statement, especially for a guy who is perceived to be all-knowing when it comes to science and physics, that he said he needs a driver that can be hit anywhere and everywhere across the face and find the fairway.”
He added:
“With increased speed, demands increase precision. It’s just like a race car. You’ve got to be a better driver when you’re running at 200 miles per hour than you do at 75 (mph) going down I-95. He doesn’t believe that. He thinks there is a magic bullet out there. He’s looking for a unicorn.”
What did Bryson DeChambeau say about drivers?
It is pertinent to note that Bryson DeChambeau was using Cobra’s one-length iron when he said that the drivers’ technology was not up to par.
Speaking to LIV Golf in an interview, the golfer said:
“Technology is not up to par with the way golfers can perform at high speeds. Anything over 185 mph – good luck trying to control it right now… We’re still on a pursuit to who can make a driver that can work it at 200 anywhere and everywhere on the face and still goes in the fairway.”
The comments reportedly sat poorly at the Cobra HQ. DeChambeau was one of Cobra’s top clients and the company decided not to renew his contract. Following this, the golfer attended the Saudi Arabia International with the new TaylorMade Stealth 2 Plus driver in the bag.