Precision, not power, key to success: LIV long-bombers

Dustin Johnson and Bryson DeChambeau, two of golf's longest hitters, say precision and not power will be key at the LIV event at the Grange course in Adelaide.

DUSTIN JOHNSON of the United States.
DUSTIN JOHNSON of the United States. Picture: Streeter Lecka/Getty Images

LIV Golf's long-bombers doubt they can blast the Grange course into submission.

Dustin Johnson and Bryson DeChambeau say precision rather than power will be key in the LIV tournament starting Friday at the sandbelt course in Adelaide's west.

"Shorter (hitting) players do have an advantage," DeChambeau said.

"I have to lay back a lot of the times, I can't just blow it out there ... it kind of puts me more in a box, which is fine.

"I've just got to have good wedging and putt it really well.

"A lot of it is strategy out here ... it's difficult, it's different."

The Grange's par-72 course measures 6,946 yards - a rarity on the professional circuits where courses usually top 7,000 yards.

On the LIV Tour, Johnson's average driving distance is 321.4 yards and DeChambeau's average is just 0.2 yards behind him.

"A course like this ... you have just got to hit it in the fairway," Johnson said.

"For one, it's Bermuda rough and it's spotty but a lot of places it's pretty deep ... it's tough to play out of.

"If you're driving it well, the course plays pretty short, you can definitely shoot some good scores.

"But if not, you're going to struggle."

The Grange's par-3 12th hole has been dubbed 'the watering hole' - not for natural water but because of the amount of alcohol expected to be consumed there.

About 5,000 fans in purpose-built amphitheatre grandstands will crowd a hole based on rowdy scenes at the Phoenix Open on the PGA Tour.

Golfers will arrive at the 12th accompanied by their chosen song and then expect to be cheered or jeered, depending on their tee shot.

"You can see how much fun it's going to be," Johnson said.

"The fans are going to enjoy it, the players are going to enjoy it."

DeChambeau said the hole "looks pretty sweet".

"I love amphitheatres," he said.

"It can be difficult sometimes but you've got to focus in and focus on hitting a good shot, that's all that matters.

"And it's fun when the crowd is booing you or cheering you on."