Bryson DeChambeau is under fire from six-time major winner Nick Faldo for his links golf strategy ahead of the 2026 British Open at Royal Troon.
What happened?
Faldo, a two-time Open champion himself, ripped DeChambeau’s approach to the game’s most demanding format. Speaking to Sky Sports, Faldo argued that DeChambeau’s power-driven game may struggle on the windswept, firm fairways of Royal Troon. The criticism comes just days before the first round of the 2026 Open Championship, set to begin on July 16.
Why it matters for Bryson DeChambeau
DeChambeau has built his reputation on brute force and precision iron play, but links golf demands a different skill set. Faldo pointed to DeChambeau’s lack of major success on British soil—he’s yet to win at St Andrews, Carnoustie or Royal Troon—despite multiple top-10 finishes. The criticism stings because DeChambeau has openly targeted a first Open title as his next career milestone.
Faldo isn’t alone in questioning DeChambeau’s adaptability. Former Open champ Padraig Harrington has also suggested that DeChambeau’s aggressive style may not translate to the slower, more tactical conditions of links golf. DeChambeau, however, has dismissed the doubts, insisting he’s worked tirelessly on his short game and course management.
What comes next?
The 2026 Open Championship at Royal Troon presents DeChambeau with a chance to silence his critics. The course’s narrow fairways and punishing rough reward accuracy over power, a shift from the bomber-friendly layouts he usually dominates. DeChambeau enters the tournament ranked No. 7 in the world, but Faldo’s words add pressure to a player already chasing his first major since the 2020 U.S. Open.
DeChambeau will tee off Thursday morning in strong winds, a test of both skill and mental resilience. If he can navigate the treacherous conditions, he’ll prove Faldo wrong. If not, the debate over his links game will only grow louder.