Bryson DeChambeau suffers nightmare start at The Open Championship, back-to-back major dream on hold

Bryson DeChambeau's 2024 season has treated him well so far. While he could not find success in LIV Golf, DeChambeau won the 2024 US Open at Pinehurst No. 2. He had decent performances at the 2024 Masters and PGA Championship as well, where he finished T6 and 2nd, respectively.

However, the 2024 US Open winner has suffered a nightmare start at the iconic and challenging Royal Troon. In the first nine holes at the 2024 Open, DeChambeau carded 6-over 42.

Before the tournament, DeChambeau spoke about the back nine at the Royal Toon being challenging, but it's the front nine that caused him the most trouble. DeChambeau's play in the first nine holes saw him hit four bogeys, a double bogey, and no birdies.

The American golfer hit three greens and four fairways, combating a two-way miss in a wind that was opposite of the projected forecast. Based on his current ranking after playing the front nine, DeChambeau finds himself in T84, which is not what he would have preferred.

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Bryson DeChambeau had expressed concern about playing at the challenging Royal Troon before The Open

Bryson DeChambeau has played at some of the most challenging golf courses throughout his career. However, DeChambeau acknowledged something was challenging about the Royal Troon Golf Club beforehand. For those unaware, the Royal Troon is one of the most challenging golf courses to get past.

The course has the longest and shortest holes which makes it extremely difficult for golfers to play on. During a press conference ahead of the 2024 Open Championship, Bryson DeChambeau claimed the Royal Troon has always been a difficult test for him. Speaking about the course, he said (via NBC):

"It’s always been a difficult test for me. It’s going to be about controlling that height through just the length of the backstroke for me this week. It’s going to be tough. It’s always tough. It’s very diabolical, and just trying to keep it low underneath the wind is key for me this week.”

However, DeChambeau at the time also expressed confidence, and rightly so. After all, DeChambeau is the only golfer to finish in the top 10 in all three majors this season. Expressing his confidence in the press conference, DeChambeau had said:

“[I am] Very confident, obviously, and it all depends if I’m striking it well. If I can play the golf that I have been, I think I’ll give myself a great chance.”

Based on his performance in the first nine holes, it indeed seems like the Royal Troon has once again proved to be a difficult test for Bryson DeChambeau. It will be interesting to follow the golfer in Round 1 and see how he does in the back nine.