Bryson DeChambeau’s Nightmare Start at the British Open
U.S. Open champion Bryson DeChambeau found himself in an unexpected struggle during the first round of the British Open at Royal Troon. Hopes were high for the two-time major winner, but the golf gods had other plans, and his round quickly spiraled out of control.
Starting his day with a couple of bogeys, DeChambeau was 6 over par after just eight holes. It was a rough beginning for the player who had shown such promise in previous majors this year, including a victory at Pinehurst No. 2 just last month.
DeChambeau’s troubles began early, missing crucial short putts and struggling to find his rhythm. The par-5 6th hole was particularly brutal, where a bad drive set the stage for a disastrous double bogey. It took him five shots just to reach the green, and then two putts to finally sink the ball for a seven.
The infamous “Postage Stamp” par-3 8th hole didn’t offer any relief, as DeChambeau added another bogey to his scorecard. By the time he finished his first nine, he was sitting at 6-over-par 42. It was a shocking start for someone who had contended in all three majors so far this year.
Meanwhile, Sweden’s Alex Noren led the pack with an impressive 2-under-par 69. Noren’s calm demeanor and strategic play helped him navigate the ever-changing winds of Royal Troon.
“I’m pleased,” Noren said. “It was tricky kind of going from Tuesday, different wind, Wednesday, different wind, today, different wind. The downwind holes are tricky, as well, because you’ve got to think a lot, the tee shots, and to not get in any bunkers. I didn’t play great, but I managed my way and kind of stayed out of the big trouble and hit enough good shots to be under par.”
The weather added to the challenge, with rain greeting players throughout the morning. The shifting winds turned even the easier holes into tests of patience and skill. Justin Thomas had a strong start, reaching 4 under through 10 holes, but a double bogey at the 12th and a bogey at the 13th brought him back down to earth.
England’s Matt Wallace experienced a roller-coaster round, highlighted by a stunning eagle at the 4th and a birdie at the 8th, only to be undone by a triple bogey on the 9th. South Korea’s Younghan Song, playing in just his fourth major, had a similar fate. He reached 4 under through 8 holes but triple-bogeyed the 11th, derailing his momentum.
As the day progressed, big names like Rory McIlroy, Jon Rahm, and defending champion Brian Harman took to the course, hoping to avoid the pitfalls that caught their fellow competitors.
For Bryson DeChambeau, the British Open might already be slipping away. Golf can be a cruel game, and on Thursday, Royal Troon showed no mercy. But in the unpredictable world of golf, anything can happen, and DeChambeau will need to muster every ounce of his skill and determination to claw his way back into contention.
Stay tuned as the drama unfolds at Royal Troon, where every shot counts and fortunes can change in an instant.