Bryson DeChambeau entered the 2026 Open Championship at Royal Birkdale under a cloud of doubt, with former PGA Tour pro Johnson Wagner publicly predicting he would miss the cut after a season marked by missed cuts at three other majors.
Why is DeChambeau’s Open outlook so bleak?
The 32‑year‑old’s 2026 major résumé reads six top‑10 finishes against five missed cuts. After winning the US Open at Pinehurst in 2024, expectations rose, yet he has already failed to make the weekend at the Masters, PGA Championship and US Open this year. Wagner, speaking on CBS Sports, called DeChambeau’s recent play “terrible” and “absolutely atrocious,” adding that the only time he looked comfortable at an Open was when the wind died down last year.
How does his Open record compare to his other majors?
Statistically, DeChambeau’s Open performance isn’t dramatically worse than his showings at the Masters or US Open. He has never cracked the top five at the Open, and his two top‑10 finishes there came after he survived the cut on the final day. By contrast, he has two US Open victories and several top‑10s at Augusta. Still, three missed cuts across the four majors this season suggest a pattern of inconsistency that fuels the criticism.
What does missing the cut mean for his season?
Missing the cut at Royal Birkdale would be DeChambeau’s fourth missed cut in a major this year, a stark contrast to the six top‑10s he logged in his last eight major starts before 2024. A weekend off would erase any chance to earn world‑ranking points or prize money, and it could jeopardize his standing for the upcoming FedExCup playoffs. The pressure is mounting, and a missed cut would reinforce doubts about his ability to adapt to links conditions.
What could change his fortunes?
DeChambeau’s game hinges on distance and precision, tools that have served him well on parkland courses. The Open’s windy, firm fairways demand a different approach—low‑flight shots, strategic club selection, and patience. If he can temper his power with a more nuanced strategy, he might still scrape into the weekend. Otherwise, Wagner’s prediction could become another headline in a season that has already tested his resilience.
What’s next for DeChambeau after the Open?
Should he miss the cut, DeChambeau will likely refocus on the remaining PGA Tour events to rebuild confidence before the season’s final stretch. A strong finish could salvage his world ranking and keep him in contention for the 2027 majors. For now, all eyes remain on Royal Birkdale, where a single round could dictate the narrative of his 2026 campaign.