Summary
Bryson DeChambeau Responds to Nick Faldo Criticism After Strong Start at The Open Championship
After missing the cut in three consecutive PGA Tour Majors, Bryson DeChambeau arrived at Royal Birkdale for The Open Championship with significant attention surrounding his performance.
Following disappointing campaigns at The Masters, the PGA Championship, and the US Open, where he failed to qualify for the weekend in each event, DeChambeau faced growing scrutiny over both his form and his approach to competing in golf’s biggest tournaments.
Even before the opening round began, six-time Major champion Sir Nick Faldo publicly questioned DeChambeau’s course management and strategic decision-making.
Nick Faldo Questions Bryson DeChambeau’s Course Strategy
Ahead of the tournament, Faldo expressed concerns about DeChambeau’s playing style, particularly when it comes to competing on links courses.
Speaking on the Sky Sports Golf podcast, Faldo said:
“I’d say it to his face — DeChambeau has zero clue of strategy.”
He went on to reference comments DeChambeau made last year about attacking links golf courses.
“He said last year: ‘I’m going to go out and attack the links.’ Well, I’ve never attacked a links. You thread it, don’t you? You feed it down the fairway. You look at humps and bumps.”
Faldo explained that success on a links course requires patience, precision, and intelligent shot placement rather than relying solely on power.
“You don’t think: ‘I’ll just blast it down there. Can’t see where I’m going.’ The fairway is only 20 yards wide.”
He added that even well-struck drives can produce poor outcomes if they land awkwardly.
“Good luck! Even if you hit it perfectly and it lands on the corner of a divot, you might still miss the fairway. You have to think about how to keep the ball on the short grass. That’s incredibly important.”
DeChambeau Responds with His Performance
Strong Opening Round Silences Some Critics
With increased attention on both his recent Major record and Faldo’s comments, DeChambeau responded in the best possible way—through his performance.
The LIV Golf star carded an impressive three-under-par 67 in the opening round, finishing the day tied for seventh and putting himself firmly in contention.
After completing his round, DeChambeau briefly addressed reporters and appeared to reference Faldo’s criticism of his strategy.
“I think you’ve got to be a lot more strategic out on the golf course.”
He continued by explaining how carefully he approached the course during the opening round.
“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.”
Although he admitted there was still room for improvement, he remained satisfied with his overall game plan.
“Besides 18, I placed the ball in some good areas. I just need to hit more fairways. Other than that, I feel like my strategy was nice today.”
DeChambeau Criticized for Skipping Traditional Media Duties
Wayne Riley Questions LIV Golf Star’s Decision
Despite speaking briefly with one reporter after his round, DeChambeau once again declined to participate in his usual post-round media obligations.
His decision drew criticism from Wayne Riley, who is covering The Open Championship for Sky Sports.
According to Riley, DeChambeau has not completed a full media session following a Major since The Masters, and he believes that approach is disappointing for both journalists and fans.
Riley said:
“He goes and plays a tour which not many people watch. That’s honest. The PGA Tour is very, very big.”
He argued that Major championships come with responsibilities beyond simply competing on the course.
“You can’t come to these Majors and say, ‘I’m not going to talk to you.’ It’s a duty.”
Riley also emphasized that fans appreciate hearing directly from players after their rounds.
“He says he wants to give the fans something to cheer about, but the fans also want to see him being interviewed.”
While acknowledging that opinions on DeChambeau are often divided, Riley praised his talent and entertaining style of play.
“Some people like him, some don’t. Personally, I love watching him play. He has the ability to overpower this golf course and potentially win.”
However, he maintained that engaging with the media remains an important part of professional golf.
“You’ve got to talk to the media. That’s part of the game.”
He concluded by saying:
“You can’t simply walk away and refuse to speak. In my opinion, that’s not in the spirit of the game.”
DeChambeau Continues to Divide Opinion
Bryson DeChambeau remains one of golf’s most talked-about figures, both for his performances and the decisions he makes away from competition.
His impressive opening round at The Open Championship answered many of the questions surrounding his recent form, particularly after missing the cut in three consecutive Major tournaments.
However, his decision to avoid the traditional post-round media session has once again generated debate, reinforcing the reality that DeChambeau continues to attract strong opinions regardless of what happens on the golf course.