Bryson DeChambeau to leave ‘internship’ behind at RBC Heritage

Bryson DeChambeau calls it an “internship.” And in a sense, the way he’s spent the past five months isn’t much different from what thousands of college interns do in the final semester or two before completing that degree.

Well, maybe except for the jetting from continent to continent. And teeing it up alongside the likes of Rory McIlroy, Adam Scott and Rickie Fowler. And sometimes beating them.

Beats having to pick up the boss at the airport, no?

The trial run ends in a few weeks, though, with the reigning U.S. Amateur and NCAA champion making the formal announcement Tuesday that the RBC Heritage Presented by Boeing will be the site of his professional debut.

“It’s not only an exciting opportunity, but it’s an honor to play here,” DeChambeau told assembled media at Harbour Town. “I’ve always wanted to play here, and I think it fits perfectly in the timeline of events for me to get (a PGA Tour) card this year.”

DeChambeau will come to Harbour Town directly from the Masters, which always has set aside a berth for the U.S. Amateur winner. However, the invitation comes with a requirement that the champion must remain an amateur to play.

Steve Wilmot, now in his 30th year as tournament director, said he couldn’t recall a similar high-profile amateur choosing to make his debut at Harbour Town.

“This is certainly something that’s unique and special for us,” Wilmot said. “We feel honored.”

DeChambeau can accept five more sponsor exemptions after the Heritage, seeking to earn 1,551 FedExCup points — equal to 150th on last year’s points list — that would grant him entry status for the rest of the season.

It’s the same path Jordan Spieth took after he left the University of Texas in early 2013, eventually winning the John Deere Classic and being named Rookie of the Year.

DeChambeau also has spots reserved at the Memorial Tournament and Quicken Loans National by virtue of his U.S. Amateur triumph last summer. He also accepted an invite to the Dean & Deluca Invitational, not far from his college stopover at SMU and where idol Ben Hogan held court.

“It’s all a journey,” DeChambeau said, “and it’s only begun.”

The 22-year-old Californian has enjoyed a bit of an elongated runup compared to other top collegians, who typically turn pro right after the college season is finished.

DeChambeau left SMU last September, shortly after the NCAA hit the basketball and golf programs for recruiting infractions. Since then he’s played a half-dozen events overseas, including a runner-up finish at the Australian Masters and a three-week stretch on the European Tour’s Middle East swing.

“It’s given me the experience to be comfortable out there on tour,” said DeChambeau, who was paired with McIlroy in Sunday’s final round of the Arnold Palmer Invitational. The amateur shot 66, beaten only when McIlroy drained a 60-foot birdie on the final hole.

“I’m not a professional, obviously, but I’m putting my feet into these professional waters,” he added. “And in that regard, it’s kind of the same as being an intern — stepping into the professional areas of their field. You have amateurs learning and getting better and better.

“And often those interns — the successful ones — take over the position of the professional. We’ll see if that happens.”

Your Guide to the RBC Heritage

This story was originally published March 22, 2016 at 7:59 PM with the headline "Bryson DeChambeau to leave ‘internship’ behind at RBC Heritage."