Bryson shows he can play links golf

Flashback: Players in good spirits on the course during a previous tournament. Photo: Handout

AMERICAN Bryson DeChambeau answered questions about his links-course skills in the best way possible as he began his challenge at the British Open with a first day three-under 67 at Royal Birkdale Golf Club in Southport, England.

Armed with a set of ‌3D-printed irons, the two-time US Open champion appeared to enjoy every minute of his opening round, high-fiving fans as he plotted his way round the undulating course in impressive fashion.

The 32-year-old certainly did not resemble a player three-time Open winner Nick Faldo accused of having “zero clue on strategy” in the build-up to the tournament, beginning his round with back-to-back birdies and making three more on the back nine.

A bogey at the 18th when he missed a short par-putt left a sour taste but with conditions fast and fiery, DeChambeau has put himself in the mix for ‌an assault on the Claret Jug.

“It was a hard-fought battle out there. The wind was switching quite a bit. It was fun seeing the fans going at us – they were rooting for all of us,” DeChambeau, one of the sport’s most charismatic characters, told reporters.

“It was fun just seeing the ups and downs of the group, but we ‌all played pretty well. It was a lot of fun,” he said.

DeChambeau, known for his ultra-aggressive style and love of booming huge drives down the fairway, missed the cut at all three previous majors this year.

But on Thursday he outshone playing partners, 2025 champion Scottie Scheffler, who carded a two-under round of 68, and England’s Tyrrell Hatton (69).

“I feel like I did a really good job of being incredibly strategic and focused super hard on placing it in the right places,” he said. “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.”