Bryson DeChambeau Answers Nick Faldo’s “Zero Strategy” Criticism Head to cozyearth.com and use code WINGO for an exclusive 20% off. Bryson DeChambeau finally gave The Open Championship something extra to talk about. After missing the cut in the first three majors of the year, Bryson opened at Royal Birkdale with a three-under 67. That round put him within striking distance of the lead, but the bigger story was what came before it. Sir Nick Faldo, a six-time major champion and three-time Open Championship winner, was asked about Bryson’s struggles in majors this season and did not hold back. Faldo said Bryson has “zero clue of strategy,” arguing that links golf cannot simply be attacked with power. At The Open, especially on a firm and fast course like Royal Birkdale, players have to think their way around the golf course. They have to understand where the ball will bounce, where it can run, where the bad misses are, and how to keep it on the short grass. Faldo’s point was that Bryson cannot just bomb driver and expect links golf to reward him. Bryson clearly heard it. After his round, Bryson talked about being “incredibly strategic,” staying focused, and placing the ball in the right areas. Trey Wingo breaks down why that response mattered, why the pettiness is good for the tournament, and why Bryson’s opening round gave The Open a much-needed storyline. But Trey also explains why the question is not fully answered yet. Bryson played well, but he still missed a lot of fairways. On a links course, that matters. At Royal Birkdale, the ball can take hard bounces, run into rough, find bad angles, or leave a player blocked out. One day, the bounces work. The next day, the same misses can turn a three-under round into a three-over round. That is what makes Bryson’s week so interesting. Did he actually find the right strategy for links golf? Or did Thursday’s round work because the bounces went his way? Trey also gets into why Bryson remains one of the most compelling players in golf. He is a two-time U.S. Open champion, one of the most powerful players in the world, and never afraid to respond when he feels criticized. After being a non-factor in the first three majors of the year, Bryson suddenly gave the final major of the season a little edge. The rest of the Round 1 leaderboard is just as interesting. Jackson Suber opened with a surprise 65. Collin Morikawa stayed in the mix on a course that should suit his iron game. Scottie Scheffler bounced back after a missed cut and sits within reach. Rory McIlroy had an up-and-down putting day. Xander Schauffele had a rough finish. Justin Rose, one of the sentimental favorites at Royal Birkdale, put himself in a difficult spot with a disappointing opening round. The Open is firm, fast, and already full of storylines. Bryson vs. Faldo. Power vs. strategy. And one last chance this year to win a major championship. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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