Bryson DeChambeau has been turning heads all week long at the 2025 Masters, both for his on-course heroics and his late-night practice sessions. But no one had their heads turned more than one local Augusta couple that let DeChambeau practice on their backyard green late Friday night.
ESPN’s Dave Wilson got the scoop on arguably the most bizarre story coming out of this week’s Masters.
Bryson’s surprise late-night visit
On Friday night of the Masters, Augusta locals Paul and Michele Pearman were going through their nightly routines at their home near Augusta National.
Avid golfers, the Pearmans have an incredible backyard golf practice area that is equipped with flood lights for night play. It turns out the amazing home practice green had caught the attention of a few people walking by the house.
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According to Wilson’s report, when Pearman greeted them in his darkened driveway, he found two-time major champion Bryson DeChambeau among them.
When Bryson announced his name to Pearman, Pearman thought he was joking, so he replied with a joke of his own.
“Nice to meet you, I’m Jack Nicklaus.”
Shortly thereafter, Pearman realized it was indeed DeChambeau, and before long Bryson was out in the backyard hitting shots. ESPN reports that Bryson practiced his wedges, then took some putts with Pearman’s novelty putter.
When Pearman told his wife who had come to visit, she didn’t believe it either, responding, “You’re full of s—.”
To find out more about Bryson’s Augusta drop-in, which included him playing with the family’s dog, read Wilson’s full story for ESPN here.
DeChambeau’s habit for practicing in the dark
DeChambeau showing up at a stranger’s door unannounced to play in their backyard would be bizarre under any circumstances. But this was not a normal night.
Hours earlier, DeChambeau had finished off a second-round 68 that launched him into Masters contention. The next day, he’d shoot a 69 at Augusta National to set up a highly-anticipated duel with Rory McIlroy for the green jacket on Masters Sunday.
It is less surprising when you know that DeChambeau has been hitting balls into the night at Augusta National’s practice area all week long. In fact, he’s made a habit of hitting range balls in the dark at majors, including the 2021 U.S. Open (pictured at the top of this page).
DeChambeau eyes Masters history
What’s at stake for McIlroy on Masters Sunday is well known, but Bryson has a lot to play for, too.
A win would give him his first green jacket, and with it a lifetime invitation to the Masters and the Masters Champions Dinner, which he would host next year. He would also earn a whopping $4.2 million for his efforts.
Because he plays for LIV Golf and does not earn world ranking points for his performances there, a Masters win would help Bryson rocket up the rankings. It would also help his chances of automatically qualifying for the 2025 U.S. Ryder Cup team.
