Bryson out to lose super-controversial tag

The 2020 US Open champion told the New York Post in December  there was a point last year when he "felt like I wanted to leave the game", butsaid he had received some useful advice from Hollywood star Chris Pratt.

"I've had struggles in the past with different numerous things that have gone on, but I'm continuing to learn and grow and respond in ways that help the game of golf out," DeChambeau said on a conference call to promote his appearance in the Saudi International next month.

"That's honestly all I want. I don't want to be a super-controversial figure, I just want to be someone that people can look up to and aspire to be like, or inspire them to work harder."

The manner in which DeChambeau overpowered Winged Foot to win the US Open meant he was the centre of attention for the rescheduled Masters two months later, something which he admits "threw me for a loop".

"It was changing my perspective on everything," added DeChambeau, who made a rod for his own back by declaring his added length meant he was treating Augusta National as a par 67, only to struggle to a tie for 34th.

"Everything was so heightened and then sometimes the let-downs were super difficult. It became a lot on a human being and it's amazing what people can do when they tell you you're this or that all the time when you know it's not true personally in the background.

"It becomes difficult at times, but as time goes on you realise what are you doing this for, why are you doing it and how can you continue to improve in that quest for inspiring the next generation.

"Chris Pratt helped me out at a really difficult time for me. He said play this fictional character for a while. I know you're not happy, you're in a very difficult spot, but act like you're acting for a little bit and as time has gone on that's gone away and I've become myself again.

"Because there was a point in time where it wouldn't have been fun being around me because of how frustrated and disappointed and sad I was."