Bryson DeChambeau opened the 2026 Open Championship with a shaky 73 on 12 July at Royal Birkdale, sparking a stark warning that his long‑standing major‑nightmare could deepen if he doesn’t rebound.
What happened at Royal Birkdale?
DeChambeau, the 2023 U.S. Open champion, teed off at the historic links course under overcast skies. A mis‑read on the 5th hole led to a double‑bogey, and a missed 12‑foot birdie putt on the 12th left him at +1 after nine holes. He finished the round one stroke over par, trailing leader Tommy Fleetwood by three shots.
Why is the warning so grim?
Royal Birkdale has a reputation for punishing errant drives, and DeChambeau’s signature driver‑heavy setup has struggled on the firm, fast fairways. Analysts note that his average driving distance this week dropped to 311 yards, well below his season‑long 327‑yard average. The course’s narrow bunkers and swirling winds magnify any lack of precision, turning his power into a liability.
How does this affect his major‑nightmare narrative?
Since missing the cut at the 2024 Open, DeChambeau has endured a string of early exits in majors, including a 68th‑place finish at the 2025 PGA. The 2026 Open marks his fifth consecutive major where he has failed to make the weekend. A continued slump could erode his confidence and marketability, especially as sponsors watch his performance metrics.
What can DeChambeau do to turn it around?
Co‑captain John Rahm, who joined his coaching staff this season, suggests a tactical shift: dialing back the driver in favor of a 3‑wood on the toughest holes. The plan aims to improve accuracy and keep the ball in the fairway, reducing bunker traffic. DeChambeau also plans to work on his short‑game, focusing on lag putting to save pars when his driver falters.
What’s next for the tournament?
The second round begins on 13 July, with the cut set at +4 after 36 holes. DeChambeau must post a sub‑par round to stay alive. If he can post a 68 or better, he’ll re‑join the leaders and keep his hopes of ending the major‑nightmare alive. The golf world will be watching closely, as a comeback could reshape the narrative around his career.
How will rivals respond?
Fleetwood, who leads after round one, praised DeChambeau’s resilience, noting that “the guy can still fire low‑scoring rounds when he finds his rhythm.” Other contenders, including Jordan Spieth and Collin Morikawa, are also eyeing the challenging back nine, where a single swing can swing the leaderboard dramatically.
What does this mean for DeChambeau’s legacy?
If he manages to make the cut and finish in the top‑10, it would be his best major finish since his 2023 triumph, adding a crucial chapter to his evolving legacy. A continued struggle, however, could cement the perception that his power‑driven style is ill‑suited to the toughest links conditions.
Bryson DeChambeau now faces a pivotal weekend at Royal Birkdale. The next 18 holes will decide whether he can silence the critics and start rewriting his major‑nightmare story.