BRYSON DECHAMBEAU revealed Scottie Scheffler “wasn’t that good” in college.

But the big-hitting American admitted he now has a long way to go to match the lofty heights set by his Ryder Cup team-mate.

Scheffler was a promising junior – ranked No1 in the USA – before playing for the Texas Longhorns at the University of Texas at Austin.

But DeChambeau – nearly three years older than his compatriot – insisted he got the better of their duels when he was at the neighbouring Southern Methodist University in Dallas.

Now, though, Scheffler is the dominant world No1, chasing a fourth major title at The Open which would put him three-quarters of the way to the career Grand Slam.

DeChambeau, 31, has two US Opens to his name.

The LIV Golf star laughed: “I played with him a lot in college, and he was good but not that good.

“I beat him quite a bit.

“He’s figured out a lot of stuff since then and he’s stepped up his game for sure.

“It’s really impressive to watch and something we can all learn from.

“Scottie’s in a league of his own right now.

“He’s setting a benchmark we all want to aspire to be at.

“I’ve got to work a lot harder on my game.”

DeChambeau’s painful opening seven-over 78 on Thursday took him out of contention at The Open.

However, he recovered brilliantly to shoot 65, 68 and 64 and finish at -9 at Portrush.

That put him on the brink of qualifying for the Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black in September.

And the brash Californian cannot wait to tee it up in front of a raucous home crowd in New York.

DeChambeau added: “I hope I can bring a lot of energy and a tsunami of a crowd that’s going to be rooting for Team USA.

“This year’s no joke. We’re tired of it. We’re tired of losing.”