Bryson DeChambeau responded in the best way possible after Nick Faldo questioned his approach to links golf. The two-time U.S. Open champion opened the 2026 Open Championship with a three-under-par 67 at Royal Birkdale to move into a share of fourth place and silence some of the criticism surrounding his game.
The 32-year-old responded with a strong performance just days after Faldo claimed he had “zero clue about strategy” when it comes to playing links golf. The three-time Open champion argued that DeChambeau’s aggressive style was not the right way to tackle courses like Royal Birkdale.
Instead of responding before the tournament, DeChambeau let his golf do the talking. His opening round was one of his best performances in a major championship this season and left him only two shots behind early leader Jackson Suber.
🚨🏌️📈 #NEW — Bryson DeChambeau reacts after firing an opening round 67 at Royal Birkdale. @BrysonLegion
“I’m having a lot of fun. If I can keep it going and give the crowd something to cheer for on Sunday, that’s all I can ask for.” pic.twitter.com/PtVYy2b1vC
— NUCLR GOLF (@NUCLRGOLF) July 16, 2026
DeChambeau Responds to Faldo With Impressive Opening Round
Faldo made his comments earlier in the week while discussing DeChambeau’s record on links courses. He pointed to last year’s Open at Royal Portrush, where DeChambeau said his driver would be the key to success before opening with a seven-over-par 78. The six-time major winner said he had never tried to “attack” a links course and believed a more patient approach was needed.
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DeChambeau appeared to take that advice on board at Royal Birkdale with a patient approach , as he made five birdies and two bogeys. Although a bogey at the final hole cost him a share of the lead, his 67 still put him firmly in contention. It was also his first round in the 60s at a major championship in 2026 after a difficult start to the year’s biggest events.
DeChambeau Reveals the Key to His Strong Start
Although DeChambeau didn’t hold a full media session after his round, he spoke briefly to the R&A’s in-house broadcast. Interestingly, he repeatedly highlighted the importance of strategy, using the word several times in his short interview.
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“I think you’ve got to be a lot more strategic out on the golf course,” he said. “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.”
DeChambeau also added that he was enjoying the atmosphere at Royal Birkdale and hoped to stay in the hunt throughout the weekend. After missing the cut in each of the first three major championships of 2026, DeChambeau needed a strong start at The Open. The 32-year-old delivered exactly that to put himself firmly in contention.
Main Photo Credit: © Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
