Bryson DeChambeau Puts Open Struggles Down To 'Equipment Related' Issues
The US Open champion has a lot of work to do to recover the damage after a horror start at Royal Troon
Bryson DeChambeau has given himself a lot of work to do just to make the cut at The Open, after suffering a nightmare start to the final men’s Major Championship of the season.
Afterwards, 'The Golfing Scientist' put his performance down to 'equipment related' issues, but says he looks forward to figuring it.
"I'm not at 190 ball speed, so particularly when I'm hitting driver or 3-wood, those clubs are built for around that speed, that 190 ball speed, and my 3-wood around 180, so colder, firmer conditions the golf ball is not compressing as much.
"I've got a chance tomorrow. I'm excited for the challenge. If I have some putts go in and hit some shots the way I know how to and figure out this equipment stuff, I'll be good."
Asked about the conditions at Royal Troon, he explained: "It's a completely different test. I didn't get any practice in it, and I didn't really play much in the rain.
"Yeah, it's a difficult test out here. Something I'm not familiar with. I never grew up playing it, and not to say that that's the reason; I finished eighth at St Andrews. I can do it when it's warm and not windy."
The US Open champion arrived at Royal Troon in South Ayrshire as one of the hot favorites for the Claret Jug, but he looked out of sorts from the off and finished the day at five over.
Get the Golf Monthly Newsletter
Subscribe to the Golf Monthly newsletter to stay up to date with all the latest tour news, equipment news, reviews, head-to-heads and buyer’s guides from our team of experienced experts.
On what many regard as the easier nine holes, DeChambeau managed to drop six shots, which included a double-bogey at the par 5 6th, after he found trouble off the tee.
Whilst it’s been no great surprise to see the Old Course at Royal Troon bare its teeth in the wet and windy conditions, not many would have predicted DeChambeau making such a poor start, not given how he has performed in the Majors this year.
Of the 23 players to have made the cut in all three Major Championships this season, the big-hitting American leads the way on a combined 28 under par.
However, this is not a tournament where he has a good record.
DeChambeau made his first appearance at The Open at Royal Birkdale in 2017, where he missed the cut.
His best finish is tied 8th, which came at St Andrews two years ago, his sole top-10 finish in six appearances.
A post shared by Golf Monthly (@golfmonthly)
A photo posted by on
The two-time US Open champion, who edged out a disconsolate Rory McIlroy at Pinehurst last month, arrived in Scotland with plenty of confidence.
"Shoot, if I play well this week, I think I can give myself a good chance, obviously," the LIV golfer said on the eve of the 152nd Open.
"That’s all I’m focused on. I just think over the course of time I’m going to get more and more comfortable with this golf course."
The 30-year-old, who also dropped a shot when he missed the green on the 120-yard 8th, the Postage Stamp, needed to make a five-footer at the 9th to go out in 42 shots.
An eagle at the 16th for Bryson DeChambeau.Will this lead to a change in momentum? pic.twitter.com/rVkWXXIdwwJuly 18, 2024
DeChambeau has at least given himself a fighting chance. With the weather beginning to get worse, he managed to eagle the par-5 16th to finish the day with a 76.
Michael has been with Golf Monthly since 2008. As a multimedia journalist, he has also worked for The Football Association, where he created content to support the men's European Championships, The FA Cup, London 2012, and FA Women's Super League. As content editor at Foremost Golf, Michael worked closely with golf's biggest equipment manufacturers, and has developed an in-depth knowledge of this side of the industry. He's now a regular contributor, covering instruction, equipment and feature content. Michael has interviewed many of the game's biggest stars, including six world number ones, and has attended and reported on many Major Championships and Ryder Cups. He's a member of Formby Golf Club.
-
Every LPGA Player Of The Year Winner Since 1966
A look at which players have won the LPGA Tour's Player of the Year title since the award's inception in 1966
By Elliott Heath Published
-
Who is Sarah Schmelzel's Caddie?
Kyle Alexander is the man on the bag for American Sarah Schmelzel, but how much do we know about him?
By Paul Higham Published
-
Sir Nick Faldo 'Delighted' Tyrrell Hatton 'Wants To Come Play A Proper Tournament' at British Masters
Sir Nick Faldo couldn't help but crack a joke about LIV Golf when reacting to Tyrrell Hatton playing in the British Masters
By Paul Higham Published
-
LIV Golf's Cameron Smith Adds Surprising Home Event To His Schedule For The First Time
LIV Golf's Cameron Smith has signed up to play in the NSW Open Golf Championship later this year - an event Greg Norman has won four times
By Jonny Leighfield Published
-
Why LIV Golfer Tyrrell Hatton Is Making His DP World Tour Return At The British Masters This Week
The Englishman will tee it up on the DP World Tour at The Belfry alongside the likes of Ryder Cup captain Luke Donald
By Jonny Leighfield Last updated
-
LIV Golfer Announces Split With Long-Time Caddie In Emotional Social Media Post
Kevin Na has posted an emotional farewell message on social media to reveal he and his long-term caddie Kenny Harms have parted company
By Paul Higham Published
-
Can LIV Golfers Play In The Presidents Cup?
The 2024 Presidents Cup will 12 top US stars and 12 International Team players compete over four days in Montreal, but are LIV golfers be among them?
By Mike Hall Published
-
FedEx Cup vs LIV Golf Bonus Payouts Compared
As well as huge prize money throughout the season, the PGA Tour and LIV Golf offer incredible bonus payouts in their season-long competitions, but how do they compare?
By Mike Hall Published
-
Reported New LIV Deal Could Move PGA Tour Merger A Step Closer
LIV Golf have reportedly signed up with the same sports media agency as the PGA Tour - leading to hope that the prolonged merger could be moving a step closer
By Paul Higham Published
-
Which Players Have Won The Most LIV Golf Titles?
There have been 32 regular LIV Golf events across its three seasons so far, but which players have the most titles?
By Mike Hall Published