Big-hitting PGA Tour pro on his shocking form? "I was in denial"
PGA Tour pro Cameron Champ has revealed he was 'in denial' over a shocking downturn in form in recent years but is now feeling closer to his best.
Big-hitting PGA Tour pro Cameron Champ has revealed he was 'in denial' over his downturn in form that saw him miss 17 cuts from 25 starts.
Would it be unfair to suggest Champ has gone missing in recent years?
The 28-year-old arrived on the scene with a big reputation and picked up his first win at the 2018 Sanderson Farms Championship.
He won again a year later, at the Safeway Open, and even picked up his third tour victory at the 2021 3M Open.
Since then? Injuries and poor performances have seen Champs slip to No. 254 in the OWGR. His career high was 63rd.
There were rumours he was courting interest from LIV Golf, but then again, who wasn't?
Champ is playing in the re-imagined FedEx Cup Fall in a bid to try and gain entry into 2024's signature events.
He has fared well so far, posting rounds of 67-69-65 and 71 for a T-9 finish at the Sanderson Farms Championship.
And the monster hitter was back in contention once again at the Shriners Children's Open with a first round of 8-under 63.
LPGA Tour star Lexi Thompson was also in the field and was holding her own against the men.
As for Champ, he opened up on his struggles somewhat. Turns out, his team 'kind of' took him aside for a stern chat about the things he needed to work on.
"It's been [like that] for a while now. I've just kind of been in denial about it," Champ told reporters.
He added: "Finally kind of some of my team -- not really pulled me aside, but we kind of just had a talk, like okay, it's time to do something.
"Like I said, again, it's more so just enjoying myself out here, having fun with it, because again, if you're not having fun or enjoying what you're doing, there's no point to do it."
So why the upturn in form?
Champ continued: "[It is] more just personal. I think just -- I'm just in a way better head space [and] more free spirited. Just kind of loving myself out there, having fun, and just enjoying the ups and downs.
"I think prior, I was just getting in my way. Honestly probably really the last two years. Finally kind of started officially getting help with that, and it's just recently that I've finally accepted it and have to do something about it.
"Again, it's a start, and obviously for me when I feel just a little bit relieved and I can just go play my game, I know what I'm capable of."
Here's to hoping Champ can continue his spell of good form after enduring a spell of 17 missed cuts from 25 events.
PGA Tour driving distances 2022-2023
- 1. Rory McIlroy, 326.3 yards
- 2. Brandon Matthews, 321.3 yards
- 3. Cameron Champ, 317.4 yards
- 4. Cameron Young, 316.9 yards
- 5. Ben An, 315.6 yards
- 6. Matti Schmid, 315.5 yards
- 7. Trevor Cone, 314.5 yards
- 8. Kyle Westmoreland, 314.3 yards
- 9. Jon Rahm, 314 yards
- 10. Gary Woodland, 313.8 yards
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