Bryson DeChambeau faces criticism after day one of The Open despite strong performance

By Mason Reed — 17 July 2026 — 3 min read

DeChambeau’s First Round Performance

Bryson DeChambeau completed the first round of The Open Championship with a score of three-under 67. This performance places him two shots behind the leader as the tournament progresses to the second round. His play on the Royal Birkdale course, which is described as baked-out, demonstrated control of his golf ball.

This strong showing comes after a season where DeChambeau had missed the cut in several major tournaments. His first-round score helped him avoid missing all four major cuts in a single season. Four of his five birdies during the round were on par-4s, including the first and second holes. He played the two par-5s at even par, with a bogey on the 14th and a birdie on the 17th.

DeChambeau’s putting was noted as a factor that prevented him from leading the tournament. He was considered the best player in the field from tee to green based on strokes gained. Despite hitting only four of 14 fairways, his misses were not significantly off-line, and his approach shots were effective.

Post-Round Media Interaction Draws Criticism

Despite his solid play, DeChambeau faced criticism for his actions following the round. He declined to speak with the general media, opting instead for a private one-on-one interview with a LIV Golf presenter. This decision did not sit well with some observers.

Wayne Riley, speaking on a sports broadcast, expressed his disapproval, stating that participating in major championships carries a duty to engage with the media. Riley suggested that DeChambeau’s refusal to speak to a wider audience was not in the spirit of the game, especially given the public interest in his performance and future.

DeChambeau has not engaged with the media at a major championship since The Masters. His current approach to media duties, which involves using his own platform, has reportedly caused frustration among some golf fans who seek more information about his involvement with LIV Golf.

Strategic Play and Course Conditions

DeChambeau commented on his strategic approach to the course, stating, “I think you’ve got to be a lot more strategic out on the golf course. I feel like I did a really good job today of being incredibly strategic and focused super hard on placing it in the right places.” He acknowledged a bogey on the 18th hole but maintained that his strategy was effective, emphasizing the need to hit more fairways.

The conditions at Royal Birkdale during the first round were described as hot and baked-out. The region experienced a record heat wave, with temperatures reaching a high of 82 degrees Fahrenheit earlier in the week. These conditions have led to a hardened turf and putting surfaces that sound like corkboards.

The course staff and consulting architects noted that such conditions are unusual for the area, which typically experiences rainstorms and strong winds. There is no rain forecast for the next three days, and the course management is taking minimal measures to keep the grass alive by sprinkling water only in the mornings and evenings.

The 2026 Open Championship marks the 11th time Royal Birkdale has hosted the event, with similar dry and hot conditions last seen during the tournament in 1976.

Source: sports.yahoo.com

Mason Reed

Sports reporter covering football, basketball and international competitions.