Reigning U.S. Open champion and golf star Bryson DeChambeau had to undergo a series of breathing techniques after last year's Masters.

DeChambeau explained last year he was struggling with some sort of illness at Augusta National. He said Tuesday the illness was the result of low oxygen levels, per Brentley Romine of the Golf Channel. The mysterious illness prompted DeChambeau to get CT scans and X-rays to pinpoint the issue.

The 27-year-old was the favorite to win last year's Masters after using his tremendous length to overwhelm the field at Winged Foot. He added more intrigue by bringing a 48-inch driver to Augusta.

But things did not go as planned for DeChambeau last November. Whereas a number of players raced out to fast starts, he carded a 2-under round of 70 on Thursday. A second-round 74 nearly resulted in DeChambeau missing the cut and put him firmly out of contention.

However, the former SMU product is hoping the adjustments he made immediately after the 2020 Masters will benefit him this time around.

DeChambeau was already putting on a show during Monday's range session, walloping drivers and testing the full extent of his swing speed.

DeChambeau also comes to Augusta with quite a bit of momentum. He won the Arnold Palmer Invitational at Bay Hill last month under tough conditions and finished in a tie for third at The Players Championship at TPC Sawgrass.

There are plenty of intriguing storylines this week, including Dustin Johnson's hopes to become the first back-to-back Masters champion since Tiger Woods and the rebirth of Jordan Spieth.

But DeChambeau's capacity to overpower the golf course should be every bit as gripping as he hopes to capture his first green jacket.