Bryson DeChambeau, the scientific sculptor of golf swings and destroyer of driving ranges, decided to throw a wild card into his repertoire. Forget custom-made drivers and million-dollar iron sets – in a recent YouTube video, Bryson attempts to conquer the course with the most unlikely weapon: a starter set from Walmart.

The video opens with Bryson, his usual confident swagger ever-present, introducing the challenge. He unveils a junior set that looks like it would be more at home in a kid’s birthday party loot bag than a pro golfer’s arsenal. His cameraman, Chase, throws down the gauntlet, predicting a score in the high sevens or eights. Bryson, ever the competitor, scoffs at the suggestion, even hinting at a possible even-par showing.

Bryson casts a critical eye over his new weaponry. The driver, while undeniably oversized, holds a certain charm. The irons, however, are a different story. Alignment lines plastered on the grips scream “beginner,” and the offset wedges raise a skeptical eyebrow – will they betray him with unwanted slices?

Undeterred, Bryson steps up to the first tee, a par-four dogleg right. He unleashes a surprisingly controlled drive that splits the fairway. A well-placed seven iron lays up nicely, and a chip shot finds the green. A routine putt later, and Bryson walks away with a stress-free par. Is this beginner’s luck, or can the magic of Bryson’s swing transcend even the humblest of clubs?

The momentum continues on the par-three second hole. A slightly high, but oh-so-soft seven iron landing finds the green, and a composed two-putt keeps the good vibes flowing. The par-five third, a dogleg left, sees another booming drive, followed by a strategic layup and a chip that sets up a birdie putt. The attempt rolls just wide, but Bryson taps in for another par.

Through the halfway point, Bryson is defying expectations. The starter set, initially a source of amusement, is starting to look like a legitimate weapon in his hands. A couple of more pars peppered with a bogey and a near-birdie keep the scorecard intriguing.

The tension builds on the final hole, a par-four with a tailwind. Bryson unleashes a monster drive that clocks in at a staggering 263 yards. His trusty (for now) seven iron finds the green, but a touch too much juice sends it rolling off the back. A deft chip shot finds the putting surface, but a long birdie putt refuses to cooperate. Unfazed, Bryson calmly sinks the par putt to seal a remarkable even-par round.

As the dust settles, Bryson is visibly impressed with his own performance. He attributes his success to a renewed focus on swing timing and rhythm, a skill that transcends even the limitations of unfamiliar equipment. The video serves as a reminder that while Bryson’s distance is otherworldly, the core principles of a good swing hold the key to success, no matter the tools in your hand.

This stunt also highlights the ongoing debate in professional golf. Is Bryson’s emphasis on power the wave of the future, or is a well-rounded game with a focus on accuracy still the recipe for championship golf? Only time will tell, but one thing’s for sure: Bryson DeChambeau, with or without a starter set, is a golfer who never fails to entertain.