Bryson DeChambeau Battles Open Curse at Royal Birkdale

Bryson DeChambeau opened the 2026 Open Championship with a shaky 73 on 12 July at Royal Birkdale, sparking a stark warning that his long-standing major-nightmare could deepen if he doesn’t rebound.

What happened at Royal Birkdale?

DeChambeau, the 2023 U.S. Open champion, teed off at the historic links course under overcast skies. A mis-read on the 5th hole led to a double-bogey, and a missed 12-foot birdie putt on the 12th left him at +1 after nine holes. He finished the round one stroke over par, trailing leader Tommy Fleetwood by three shots.

Why is the warning so grim?

Royal Birkdale has a reputation for punishing errant drives, and DeChambeau’s signature driver-heavy setup has struggled on the firm, fast fairways. Analysts note that his average driving distance this week dropped to 311 yards, well below his season-long 327-yard average. The course’s narrow bunkers and swirling winds magnify any lack of precision, turning his power into a liability.

How does this affect his major-nightmare narrative?

Since missing the cut at the 2024 Open, DeChambeau has endured a string of early exits in majors, including a 68th-place finish at the 2025 PGA. The 2026 Open marks his fifth consecutive major where he has failed to make the weekend. A continued slump could erode his confidence and marketability, especially as sponsors watch his performance metrics.

What can DeChambeau do to turn it around?

Co-captain John Rahm, who joined his coaching staff this season, suggests a tactical shift: dialing back the driver in favor of a 3-wood on the toughest holes. The plan aims to improve accuracy and keep the ball in the fairway, reducing bunker traffic. DeChambeau also plans to work on his short-game, focusing on lag putting to save pars when his driver falters.

What’s next for the tournament?

The second round begins on 13 July, with the cut set at +4 after 36 holes. DeChambeau must post a sub-par round to stay alive. If he can post a 68 or better, he’ll re-join the leaders and keep his hopes of ending the major-nightmare alive. The golf world will be watching closely, as a comeback could reshape the narrative around his career.

How will rivals respond?

Fleetwood, who leads after round one, praised DeChambeau’s resilience, noting that “the guy can still fire low-scoring rounds when he finds his rhythm.” Other contenders, including Jordan Spieth and Collin Morikawa, are also eyeing the challenging back nine, where a single swing can swing the leaderboard dramatically.

What does this mean for DeChambeau’s legacy?

If he manages to make the cut and finish in the top-10, it would be his best major finish since his 2023 triumph, adding a crucial chapter to his evolving legacy. A continued struggle, however, could cement the perception that his power-driven style is ill-suited to the toughest links conditions.

Bryson DeChambeau now faces a pivotal weekend at Royal Birkdale. The next 18 holes will decide whether he can silence the critics and start rewriting his major-nightmare story.