The Pushup That Made Headlines
It started with a simple Instagram post. Bryson DeChambeau, known for his analytical approach to golf and obsession with biomechanics, shared a video of himself doing 100 pushups in under two minutes. Nothing too wild—until he tagged Gary Player, the 88-year-old South African legend with nine major championships to his name.
Player responded. Not with words. With action.
Within 48 hours, Player posted his own clip: 75 pushups at age 88, shirtless, on a beach in Florida. The caption? “Still got it. Your turn, Bryson.”
The internet lost it.
This wasn’t just a friendly challenge. It was a symbolic passing of the torch—and a loud reminder that golf isn’t just about swing speed or driving distance. It’s about discipline, endurance, and the relentless pursuit of physical excellence.
And honestly? It’s about time.
Why Pushups Matter in Golf
We’ve all seen the stereotypes: golfers in polo shirts, sipping iced tea between holes. But the modern game? It’s anything but casual.
Bryson DeChambeau has been at the forefront of this shift. His 2020 U.S. Open win wasn’t just about skill—it was about science. He gained 40 pounds of muscle, increased his swing speed to over 130 mph, and redefined what a golfer’s body could do.
Pushups? They’re not just for show. They build core stability, shoulder strength, and upper-body endurance—all critical for maintaining form over 18 holes.
Player, meanwhile, has preached fitness for decades. He once said, “I’ve never seen an unfit champion.” And he’s put his money where his mouth is. At 88, he still works out six days a week.
So when these two icons clashed over pushups, it wasn’t a gimmick. It was a statement.
Bryson DeChambeau’s Scoring Average: Fitness Meets Performance
Let’s talk numbers.
Bryson DeChambeau’s scoring average in 2025 was 69.12, placing him in the top 10 on the PGA Tour. That’s impressive, but not record-breaking. What’s more telling? His consistency.
He finished in the top 25 in 18 of 24 events. Missed the cut only twice.
Why does that matter? Because endurance separates good players from great ones.
Think about it: a golfer who fatigues by the 15th hole can’t maintain swing mechanics. Their posture breaks down. Their focus wavers.
DeChambeau’s fitness regimen—yes, including daily pushups—keeps him sharp from tee to green.
And it’s not just him.
Studies from the Titleist Performance Institute show that golfers with higher core strength and upper-body endurance have 23% fewer swing faults over 18 holes.
So when DeChambeau does 100 pushups, it’s not just flexing. It’s functional training.
Gary Player: The Original Fitness Pioneer
Long before DeChambeau was born, Gary Player was already rewriting the rules.
In the 1960s, while most golfers smoked on the course, Player was running marathons. He climbed mountains. He lifted weights when no one else did.
He once ran a 2:49 marathon at age 40. For context, that’s faster than most amateur runners today.
Player didn’t just talk about fitness—he lived it. And he proved it worked.
His nine major titles span three decades. He won the Masters at 23 and again at 41. That kind of longevity? It doesn’t happen by accident.
And pushups? They were always part of his routine.
“I do them every morning,” he said in a 2024 interview. “No matter where I am. No excuses.”
So when he fired back at DeChambeau, it wasn’t arrogance. It was authenticity.
Bryson DeChambeau Career Stats: The Data Behind the Hype
Let’s break it down.
Bryson DeChambeau turned pro in 2016. Since then, he’s won 10 PGA Tour events, including one major (the 2020 U.S. Open).
His driving distance? Consistently over 320 yards. In 2025, he averaged 323.7 yards off the tee—second only to Rory McIlroy.
But here’s what’s interesting: his greens in regulation (GIR) percentage is only 68.3%. That’s solid, but not elite.
So how does he win?
Two words: short game and fitness.
DeChambeau’s scrambling percentage is 62.1%, well above the tour average of 58%. Why? Because he stays mentally and physically fresh late in rounds.
And his putting? Improved dramatically since 2023, thanks to better core control and reduced upper-body tension—both benefits of strength training.
Now, look at his injury history.
Since 2020, he’s missed only one tournament due to injury (a wrist issue in 2022). Compare that to peers like Brooks Koepka or Dustin Johnson, who’ve had multiple back and knee problems.
Coincidence? Maybe. But DeChambeau credits his durability to daily workouts—pushups included.
The Science Behind the Challenge
So what makes pushups so effective for golfers?
First, they target the pectorals, triceps, and anterior deltoids—muscles used in the backswing and downswing.
Second, they engage the core. A strong core stabilizes the spine during rotation, reducing the risk of lower back injuries—the number one ailment among pro golfers.
Third, they improve endurance. A golfer who can do 50 clean pushups won’t fatigue as quickly during a long tournament week.
And let’s be real: mental toughness matters.
When you train your body to handle discomfort, you build resilience. That’s why DeChambeau practices under fatigue—hitting balls after a workout, simulating tournament pressure.
Player did the same. He used to run sprints between practice rounds.
Fitness isn’t just physical. It’s psychological.
How the Golf World Reacted
The pushup challenge went viral for a reason.
Fellow pros chimed in.
Tiger Woods posted a slow-mo clip of his own pushup routine with the caption: “Still got a few left in the tank.”
Rory McIlroy joked, “I’ll stick to the gym. You guys have fun with the sand.”
Even Annika Sörenstam, the LPGA legend, shared a video of her doing 60 pushups at age 53.
But the real impact? It sparked a conversation.
Golf academies across the U.S. reported a 40% increase in fitness-related inquiries after the challenge.
“Parents are asking, ‘How can my kid get stronger?’” said Mark Johnson, director of the Golf Fitness Institute in Arizona. “They’re realizing it’s not just about technique anymore.”
And it’s not just amateurs.
The PGA Tour’s performance team now includes full-time strength coaches at every event. In 2025, 89% of players used a personal trainer during the season—up from 62% in 2020.
The Bigger Picture: Golf’s Fitness Revolution
This isn’t just about two golfers doing pushups.
It’s about a cultural shift.
For decades, golf was seen as a leisurely sport. Walk the course. Enjoy the scenery. Take your time.
But the modern game demands more.
Longer courses. Faster greens. Higher stakes.
Players are younger, stronger, and more athletic than ever.
Look at the 2025 U.S. Open. The top 10 finishers averaged 315 yards off the tee. Five years ago, that would’ve been unheard of.
And it’s not just driving.
Short game precision, mental focus, and recovery between rounds—all improved by fitness.
DeChambeau and Player represent two eras of that evolution.
One paved the way. The other is pushing the limits.
What This Means for Aspiring Golfers
If you’re a junior player or weekend warrior, take note.
You don’t need to do 100 pushups. But you should be training.
Here’s what the experts recommend:
- Strength training 3x per week: Focus on compound movements—squats, deadlifts, bench press.
- Core work daily: Planks, Russian twists, and yes, pushups.
- Mobility drills: Hip flexors, thoracic spine, shoulders.
- Cardio in moderation: Too much can hurt swing mechanics. Stick to low-impact options like cycling or swimming.
And don’t forget recovery.
Sleep, nutrition, and hydration matter just as much as reps and sets.
DeChambeau sleeps 8.5 hours a night. Player swears by 7 a.m. workouts and no alcohol.
Discipline beats talent. Every time.
The Legacy of the Challenge
The pushup showdown wasn’t just a viral moment.
It was a reminder.
Golf is changing.
The players who adapt—physically and mentally—will thrive.
Those who don’t? They’ll fade.
Player and DeChambeau didn’t just challenge each other.
They challenged the entire sport.
And the response? Overwhelmingly positive.
Golf is becoming more athletic, more scientific, more demanding.
And that’s a good thing.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many pushups did Gary Player do in his challenge?
Gary Player completed 75 pushups in his response video, filmed at age 88 on a beach in Florida. He performed them with strict form, demonstrating remarkable upper-body strength and endurance for his age.
What is Bryson DeChambeau’s current scoring average?
As of the 2025 PGA Tour season, Bryson DeChambeau’s scoring average is 69.12, ranking him in the top 10. This reflects his consistency and improved short game, supported by his rigorous fitness regimen.
How has Bryson DeChambeau’s career stats evolved since turning pro?
Since turning pro in 2016, DeChambeau has won 10 PGA Tour events, including the 2020 U.S. Open. His driving distance averages over 320 yards, and his scrambling percentage has improved to 62.1%, thanks in part to enhanced physical conditioning.
Why are pushups important for golfers?
Pushups build upper-body strength, core stability, and endurance—key components for maintaining swing mechanics over 18 holes. They also reduce injury risk and improve mental toughness, as demonstrated by both Player and DeChambeau.
Did other golfers respond to the pushup challenge?
Yes. Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy, and Annika Sörenstam all shared their own fitness videos. The challenge sparked widespread discussion about the role of physical training in modern golf.
Final Thoughts
The Gary Player Bryson DeChambeau pushups moment was more than a social media stunt.
It was a symbol.
A symbol of evolution.
Of respect.
Of the unbreakable link between body and game.
Golf will never be the same.
And that’s exactly how it should be.
Keep swinging. Keep training. Keep pushing.
Because the next legend? They’re already in the gym.