Bryson DeChambeau challenges Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce: what is “Break 50” in golf?

Could 2024 US Open winner Bryson DeChambeau and the Kansas City Chiefs’ Super Bowl champions Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce be about to team up in the latest in a long line of sporting crossovers? The LIV Golf star hopes so.

Fresh from his major triumph at Pinehurst No. 2, DeChambeau challenged Mahomes and Kelce to a game after the Chiefs quarterbacks’ online praise for his bunker shot at the 18th hole in Sunday’s final round, which set the 30-year-old California up for his second US Open victory.

After challenger Rory McIlroy had bogeyed three of his last four holes, DeChambeau needed a par at 18 to win, which looked unlikely after a wayward drive. However, a superb 55-yard bunker shot, which he later called “the shot of his life,” gave him the chance to roll in a four-foot putt for the trophy, which he duly did.

How did DeChambeau’s invitation to Mahomes and Kelce come about?

“GREAT bunker shot!” Mahomes posted in reaction on X as it happened on Sunday. Presumably having been too busy celebrating his triumph, DeChambeau waited a couple of days to respond, but did so on Tuesday by quoting the NFL star’s message along with a reply: “You, me, and Trav Break 50, let’s go!”

For most amateur golfers, “break 50″ would be a reference to playing nine holes in less than 50 strokes, an average of between five and six shots per hole. Clearly, however, with Mahomes and Kelce known to be keen and very capable golfers, and DeChambeau one of the best players in the world, that’s not what was being referred to.

What is DeChambeau’s “Break 50″ series on YouTube?

DeChambeau has amassed a big following on YouTube, where he posts regular videos of golf-related games and challenges with guests, which have included Phil Mickelson, Sergio García, Paige Spiranac and Chris Pratt.

“Break 50″ is one DeChambeau’s regular challenges, in which he and a partner attempt to complete 18 holes (yes, 18, not nine) in under 50 shots, which is 23-under par at the course he normally films at. Both players tee off, pick the best tee shot and play their next shot from there. They follow those rules for the full round, playing their next shot from where the best of their two previous shots finished.

If you’re thinking you’ve never seen a pro golfer go that low then you’d be right, but the twist is the challenge is normally done from the red tees, which are the ones closest to the hole. As DeChambeau himself puts it, you need to be “pretty much perfect” to have any chance of getting anywhere near 50.

Mahomes and Kelce no strangers to the golf course

“Let’s do it” replied Mahomes, tagging Kelce into his post. The Chiefs tight end hasn’t got involved in the conversation just yet, although it wouldn’t be a surprise to see the trio form a famous three-ball.

In June last year, Mahomes and Kelce competed together in The Match VIII, an exhibition matchplay golf event broadcast on TNT Sports, defeating Golden State Warriors duo Steph Curry and Klay Thompson.

Mahomes also took part in an earlier edition of the event alongside fellow NFL Star Josh Allen (against Tom Brady and Aaron Rodgers), while Kelce was spotted playing golf alongside LIV Golf’s Dustin Johnson, Paulina Gretzky and Wayne Gretzky at Troubadour Golf and Field Club in Nashville on Sunday.

See also: Why does Team USA have four players in men’s golf at the 2024 Olympics in Paris?