Bryson DeChambeau Aims for Tiger Woods-Level Greatness at the British Open
TROON, Scotland — Bryson DeChambeau, fresh off his U.S. Open win, is setting his sights on a feat last accomplished by the legendary Tiger Woods in 2000: winning the U.S. Open and the British Open in the same year. As the tournament kicks off at Royal Troon, all eyes are on DeChambeau to see if he can conquer the unique challenges of links golf.
Nobody has shined brighter in the major championships this year than DeChambeau. He has been a top contender at both the Masters and the PGA Championship, and his victory at the U.S. Open solidified his status as one of the game’s elite. Now, he faces a new test on a course that could pose some significant hurdles.
Royal Troon, with its unpredictable weather and firm, fast fairways, presents a stark contrast to the courses DeChambeau has played recently. Coming off a tournament at Valderrama in Spain for the LIV Golf event, he must quickly adapt to the distinctive style of links golf.
“It can be a difficult challenge. I wouldn’t say it’s a problem. It’s a challenge,” DeChambeau said on Tuesday. “That’s what’s so great about links golf and the Open Championship. It provides a different test and a different test to try and figure out and get an ‘A’ on.”
DeChambeau acknowledges that links courses haven’t always been his strong suit. Early in his career, his putting and wedge game were weak points. However, he’s made strides in these areas and believes he’s ready for the challenge ahead.
Reflecting on his past performances, DeChambeau mentioned his success at Royal Lytham St. Annes during the 2015 Walker Cup and his strong showing at St. Andrews, where he tied for eighth two years ago. Despite the difficulty of links courses, his game has evolved.
“I’ve gotten better at putting and my wedge game. I’ve learned to flight the ball a little bit better. Slowly it’s getting there,” he said. “Just a couple more reps. If I play well this week, I think I can give myself a good chance. That’s all I’m focused on.”
DeChambeau’s journey hasn’t been smooth. Injuries and his transition to LIV Golf in 2022 brought struggles. Yet, he has clawed his way back, with notable performances last year, including a tie for fourth at the PGA Championship and two wins on the LIV Golf tour.
His recent form has been impressive, with two top-10 finishes in LIV Golf events, including a ninth-place finish at Valderrama last week.
“Very confident, obviously,” DeChambeau said. “It all depends if I’m striking it well. I can come in here with the most confidence, obviously, off of a major championship win. Played decent last week, as well.”
DeChambeau knows that success at Royal Troon will require more than just power. He must rely on strategy and precision, especially with the numerous hazards that await on this historic course.
“I don’t think it’s possible to overpower it,” he admitted. “There’s too many hazards around the fairways, even in the bunkers. You’ve got to be very strategic out here.”
Despite the challenges, DeChambeau is no stranger to strategic golf. His performances at courses like RBC Heritage and Valderrama, which demand careful planning and placement, give him confidence.
“I’ve played well on strategic golf courses in the past,” he said. “Those are pretty strategic golf courses and very placement-oriented golf courses. So I think I’m pretty solid at it, but overpowering this golf course, I don’t know if it’s possible.”
As the British Open gets underway, Bryson DeChambeau stands on the brink of history. If he can bring his best game to Royal Troon, he might just pull off a double that only the great Tiger Woods has achieved in the modern era. Stay tuned to see if Bryson can etch his name in the annals of golf history.