DeChambeau fires 3-under 67 at Royal Birkdale, cites strategic play after earlier major cuts

Bryson DeChambeau recorded a three-under 67 in the opening round of The Open Championship at Royal Birkdale, moving the field’s leader and positioning himself for the weekend. The 32-year-old, who missed the cut in each of the first three majors this season, said the round required “a lot more strategic” play and highlighted his focus on ball placement.

Former major champion Nick Faldo had earlier suggested DeChambeau lacked strategic understanding on links courses, stating, “He has zero clue of strategy.” DeChambeau’s post-round comments directly addressed that point, noting he felt “incredibly strategic and focused super hard on placing it in the right places.”

Analysts have linked DeChambeau’s recent struggles to a range of factors, including his off-course activities. Despite the criticism, statistical data from recent Opens shows he consistently ranks among the leaders in strokes gained off the tee, though his approach play has varied year to year. In the first round at Royal Birkdale, he ranked third in strokes gained off the tee and posted a positive gain in approach shots.