Bryson DeChambeau silences critics with 67 at The Open after brutal Nick Faldo and Brandel Chamblee jabs
LIV GOLF ADELAIDE, Bryson DeChambeau of the Crushers GC during Round 3 of the LIV Golf Adelaide at The Grange Golf Club in Adelaide, Saturday, February 14, 2026. NO ARCHIVING, EDITORIAL USE ONLY ADELAIDE SA AUSTRALIA PUBLICATIONxNOTxINxAUSxNZLxPNGxFIJxVANxSOLxTGA Copyright: xMATTxTURNERx 20260214185584450246
LIV GOLF ADELAIDE, Bryson DeChambeau of the Crushers GC during Round 3 of the LIV Golf Adelaide at The Grange Golf Club in Adelaide, Saturday, February 14, 2026. NO ARCHIVING, EDITORIAL USE ONLY ADELAIDE SA AUSTRALIA PUBLICATIONxNOTxINxAUSxNZLxPNGxFIJxVANxSOLxTGA Copyright: xMATTxTURNERx 20260214185584450246
It looks like Bryson DeChambeau is back to his best at the 154th Open. After brutal jabs from Nick Faldo and Brandel Chamblee, the two-time major winner has responded in his own way.
DeChambeau has failed to make the cut at three consecutive majors this season. As a result, many have criticized his game and have also tipped him to miss the weekend at Royal Birkdale. Chamblee went a lot further.
Probably one of the biggest surprises of the year is Bryson DeChambeau," Chamblee said this week. "It's almost like he went from chasing Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy to chasing Grant Horvat. It's like he wants to outdo every YouTuber in the game of golf instead of outplay everybody in the game of golf."
DeChambeau finished the opening round at 3-under par 67. He shot five birdies and two bogeys to finish one shot behind leaders Dan Brown and Sungjae Im.
It’s fair to say the Crushers GC captain’s strategy went according to plan. However, six-time major champion Nick Faldo said two days ago that DeChambeau had no clue.
"I'd say it to his face — DeChambeau has zero clue of strategy," said Faldo on Sky Sports. "He said last year: 'I'm going to go out and attack the links'. Well, I've never attacked a links [course]. You thread it, don't you? You feed it down the fairway."
DeChambeau has certainly shut down the criticism with his impressive first-round performance. Another round of golf remains to be seen to make sure that he heads into the weekend.
Coming into the Open, DeChambeau showcased high expectations for himself.
Bryson DeChambeau's only goal at The Open
Despite his major struggles this season, DeChambeau headed into the season-ending major with high standards.
“I’m not trying to send a message to anybody other than me and myself, and knowing what I know I can do,” DeChambeau said, as reported by The Mirror US. “You know, if I don’t win, I’ll be disappointed. Anything else is a loss, whether it’s second or anything past that, you know?”
DeChambeau’s best finish at the Open came in 2022 when he was tied for 8th. Last time around at Dunluce, the 32-year-old secured another top-10 finish, ending up tied for 10th.
A win at Royal Birkdale would certainly turn his season around. He is halfway to making it into the weekend and will then do his best to secure the Claret Jug.
What are your thoughts on DeChambeau’s first-round performance? Share them in the comments.
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Written by
Avishek Sarkar
Edited by
Kaamna Dwivedi