Meet The Monster Hitter Playing On The PGA Tour This Week
Brandon Matthews hits the ball so far he played without a driver in his last Korn Ferry Tour event


When the Wells Fargo Championship takes place at TPC Potomac this week, one player's incredible driving distances are likely to leave a big impression.
Brandon Matthews qualifies for the tournament thanks to a sponsor’s exemption, and the American, who usually competes on the Korn Ferry Tour, boasts a truly enormous drive. His average driving distance on the Tour was 331.3 yards in 2019. That's sure to grab the attention of spectators this week, particularly as the PGA Tour’s most well-known big hitter, Bryson DeChambeau, is currently out injured.
Matthews even played without a driver at last week's Huntsville Championship, and still managed distances of 320 yards with his 3-wood. Standing at 6ft 4in, Matthews partially attributes his driving ability to his height. Speaking on a PGA Tour video in 2020, the Pennsylvanian said: “Obviously being 6ft 4in helps a little bit. What that does is it creates a little bit more arc for myself." He then explained that “the more arc you have, the more power you can create on the downswing.”
With ball speeds over 190 miles an hour, @B_Matthews12 is a force to be reckoned with off the tee.Here’s how he became the longest driver on the @KornFerryTour last season. pic.twitter.com/D2nqgy0OzpMarch 4, 2020
As impressive as Matthews’ monster driving distances is his ball speed, which tops out at around 200mph off the tee. Of course, navigating any course isn’t just about speed and distance. With Matthews setting his sights on PGA Tour membership later this year, he’ll see this week’s tournament as an opportunity to make his mark on the Tour with an impressive all-round game.
For the 27-year-old, the signs are good. Matthews won February’s Astara Golf Championship and recorded his lowest ever round of 63 in the following month's Lake Charles Championship, so he heads into the week with some good recent form. As for the course, Matthews will undoubtedly have the opportunity to showcase his driving ability. While TPC Potomac only has two par 5s, they are both long, with the 619-yard 2nd particularly suited to distance players.
Matthews follows in the footsteps of another mega hitter, James Hart Du Preez, who also had a sponsor's exemption that allowed him to play in January’s American Express. However, the South African, who averaged an incredible 373.07 yards on the Sunshine Tour last year, missed the cut at the event, which Hudson Swafford won.
Get the Golf Monthly Newsletter
Subscribe to the Golf Monthly newsletter to stay up to date with all the latest tour news, equipment news, reviews, head-to-heads and buyer’s guides from our team of experienced experts.
Currently, Cameron Champ is leading the way in the PGA Tour's average driving distances in 2022, with 323.5 yards. DeChambeau finished on top last year, with 323.7 yards.

Mike has over 25 years of experience in journalism, including writing on a range of sports throughout that time, such as golf, football and cricket. Now a freelance staff writer for Golf Monthly, he is dedicated to covering the game's most newsworthy stories.
He has written hundreds of articles on the game, from features offering insights into how members of the public can play some of the world's most revered courses, to breaking news stories affecting everything from the PGA Tour and LIV Golf to developmental Tours and the amateur game.
Mike grew up in East Yorkshire and began his career in journalism in 1997. He then moved to London in 2003 as his career flourished, and nowadays resides in New Brunswick, Canada, where he and his wife raise their young family less than a mile from his local course.
Kevin Cook’s acclaimed 2007 biography, Tommy’s Honour, about golf’s founding father and son, remains one of his all-time favourite sports books.
-
The Impressive List Of Course Records Justin Thomas Holds.... Including TPC Sawgrass, Medinah And Harbour Town
Justin Thomas is having a hugely successful PGA Tour career - and he has set several course records along the way
By Mike Hall
-
Rory McIlroy To Make First Competitive Start Following Masters Victory
Defending champions Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry will return to TPC Louisiana, with McIlroy making his first competitive appearance since his Masters victory
By Matt Cradock
-
Rory McIlroy's Sports Psychologist Explains Why He 'Didn't Talk' To Bryson DeChambeau In Masters Final Round
DeChambeau raised eyebrows at Augusta National when claiming that McIlroy wouldn't engage in conversation during the final round of The Masters
By Jonny Leighfield
-
Emotional Bryson DeChambeau Recreates 'The Shot Of My Life' At Pinehurst No.2 As Plaque Unveiled Day After Masters Charge Fizzles Out
The 2024 US Open champion travelled over to North Carolina a day after watching Rory McIlroy win The Masters to recreate the shot which helped the American down the Northern Irishman at Pinehurst last summer
By Jonny Leighfield
-
'He Wouldn't Talk To Me' - Bryson DeChambeau Reveals Rory McIlroy Dynamic During The Masters Final Round
After a disappointing Sunday at The Masters, DeChambeau shared that McIlroy was so focused en route to victory that the pair barely exchanged words all day
By Jonny Leighfield
-
'I'm Working Hard To Figure It Out' - Bryson DeChambeau Reveals New 'Prototype' Golf Balls Are In The Works
After changing his golf ball at the start of 2025, DeChambeau revealed in Miami that there are some new prototype models currently being worked on
By Matt Cradock
-
'He's Woefully Off His Game This Year' - Brandel Chamblee Labels Bryson DeChambeau 'Too Linear' To Enjoy Success At 'Abstract' Augusta National
Quizzed over the LIV golfer's prospects at The Masters in 2025 following a strong performance last term, Chamblee was not overly optimistic...
By Jonny Leighfield
-
Bryson DeChambeau In The Market For A New Golf Ball - But Which One Would Suit Him Best?
Bryson DeChambeau is having spin issues with his wedges so says he is looking for a new golf ball, but which one should he use?
By Paul Higham
-
Despite Bryson DeChambeau Support, This Much-Loved Scottish Golf Course Is Set To Close
Despite a late plea from Bryson DeChambeau, Scottish public course Dalmuir is to be closed due to funding issues
By Paul Higham
-
'That Should Tell You Everything' - Bryson DeChambeau Clarifies Position After PGA Tour Return Claims
Speaking before LIV Golf Hong Kong, DeChambeau reiterated his desire to help grow the 54-hole league following rumors he was set for a return to the PGA Tour
By Jonny Leighfield