Photo Credit: Golf.com
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Bryson DeChambeau enters the Open Championship with plenty to prove. However, one golf legend believes the two-time U.S. Open champion must change his approach. Three-time Open champion Nick Faldo criticized DeChambeau’s strategy before the year’s final major at Royal Birkdale. Faldo argued that power alone rarely succeeds on a traditional links course. Speaking on Sky Sports, Faldo questioned DeChambeau’s game plan for links golf. He said DeChambeau lacks a true understanding of course strategy. Faldo pointed to comments DeChambeau made before last year’s Open Championship. At that time, DeChambeau said he planned to attack the course. Faldo disagreed with that mindset and explained why patience matters more than aggression.
According to Faldo, golfers must work with the natural features of a links course. He said players should guide shots along the fairways instead of overpowering them. He also stressed the importance of reading the humps, bumps, and slopes. Those natural contours can move the ball into favorable positions. In contrast, blindly hitting long drives often creates unnecessary trouble. Faldo noted that some fairways measure only about 20 yards wide, leaving little room for mistakes. Meanwhile, DeChambeau arrives at Royal Birkdale after a frustrating major championship season. He missed the cut at all three majors in 2026. Those disappointing finishes contrast sharply with his recent success on LIV Golf. Even so, DeChambeau remains confident that he can turn things around during the Open Championship.
His Open Championship record reflects both promise and inconsistency. DeChambeau owns two top 10 finishes in the event. One of those came last year at Royal Portrush. However, he also missed the cut twice during previous appearances. In addition, he recorded finishes of tied for 33rd and tied for 60th. Those results show flashes of strong play but little sustained success on links courses. Despite those struggles, DeChambeau believes his overall form remains strong. The 32-year-old has already captured two LIV Golf victories this season. He also finished inside the top three additional times. As a result, he feels his game stands in a much better place than his major results suggest.
DeChambeau praised Royal Birkdale before tournament week began. He described the course as a demanding test that challenges every part of a golfer’s game. He also expressed confidence in his ability to contend if he performs well. Although he admitted the majors have not gone his way this season, he blamed several unusual breaks for those disappointing outcomes. Furthermore, he believes his recent victories prove he can compete with anyone when everything comes together. The opening round presents another major challenge. DeChambeau will tee off at 4:58 a.m. ET on Thursday in one of the tournament’s featured groups. He will play alongside defending Open champion Scottie Scheffler and fellow LIV Golf star Tyrrell Hatton. That pairing should attract plenty of attention from fans and media throughout the opening day.
Ultimately, Faldo’s comments add another layer of intrigue before the championship begins. His criticism centers on strategy rather than talent. No one questions DeChambeau’s power or athletic ability. Instead, Faldo believes success at Royal Birkdale requires patience, precision, and smart decision-making. DeChambeau now has four rounds to prove that his aggressive style can succeed on one of golf’s toughest links courses.
Author Profile
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Bradley Walker serves as the Director of Operations for NGSC Sports, bringing extensive experience across collegiate, professional, and amateur athletics. His coverage spans USF Athletics, including football, baseball, lacrosse, and softball, as well as University of Tampa baseball.
Bradley also provides coverage of minor league baseball with the Clearwater Threshers and Major League Baseball with the Tampa Bay Rays. On the national stage, he covers college football bowl games and conference championship matchups, along with premier golf events across the PGA Tour, LIV Golf, and LPGA Tour.
In addition to his reporting work, Bradley is the play-by-play announcer for Pinellas Park High School Patriots football, lending his voice and insight to Friday night lights.
He is also an active podcast host and contributor, serving as a co-host on the P&W Sports Report and hosting The Walker Report, where he delivers in-depth sports analysis, interviews, and coverage across multiple levels of competition.
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