Bryson DeChambeau entered the 2026 Open Championship with a stark warning: after missing the cut at the Masters, PGA Championship and US Open, he now faces a real chance of missing all four majors this season.
Why has DeChambeau missed three majors already?
At the 2026 Masters, DeChambeau triple‑bogeyed the 18th hole from a greenside bunker, sealing his weekend exit on April 10. A late surge at the PGA Championship on May 22 looked promising, but a steady decline on Friday left him well outside the cut line. Then, on June 15 at the US Open at Shinnecock Hills, he faltered alongside fellow LIV player Jon Rahm, both failing to survive the first two rounds.
What does Johnson Wagner say about The Open?
Former PGA Tour winner Johnson Wagner appeared on Golf on CBS’s YouTube channel on July 5 and didn’t mince words. He called Birkdale’s dunes and potential wind “a nightmare for DeChambeau,” predicting a “terrible” performance that would complete a set of missed cuts. Wagner noted that DeChambeau “cannot flight it down” and struggles when conditions demand low‑trajectory shots.
How have past Open outings shaped expectations?
DeChambeau’s Open résumé is a mix of flashes and failures. In 2023 at Royal Portrush, he climbed into the top‑10 after the wind died down, marking his second top‑10 finish in six attempts. Yet he missed the cut in 2019 and again in 2024, and his other outings yielded a T60 and a T33. Those results underline a pattern: when the wind is calm and the course soft, his power game shines; when the elements turn hostile, his lack of finesse shows.
What does this mean for his LIV contract?
DeChambeau’s LIV contract expires at the end of the 2026 season. With three major cuts already missed, the pressure to deliver a strong finish at The Open is immense. A missed cut would not only dent his confidence but also weaken his negotiating position for a new deal. The next two weeks at Birkdale could determine whether he secures a fresh contract or faces an uncertain future.
Can DeChambeau adapt his game?
Analysts point to DeChambeau’s reliance on sheer distance and his difficulty shaping shots low enough for windy links. Unless he adds “artistry”—a softer swing path and better wind management—he remains vulnerable on courses that demand precision over power. The upcoming weekend will test whether he can adjust quickly enough to avoid another historic miss.
What’s at stake for the rest of the season?
Beyond the immediate cut, DeChambeau’s performance influences LIV’s perception of its star players. A strong showing could boost the league’s credibility, while another miss may reinforce doubts about the viability of power‑driven golfers in major championships. Fans, sponsors and fellow competitors will be watching Birkdale’s dunes closely, waiting to see if DeChambeau can rewrite his 2026 narrative.