Bryson DeChambeau’s response to a disastrous first round at the Open Championship likely will be good enough for him to punch his ticket to the United States Ryder Cup team.
DeChambeau followed up a brutal 7-over-par 78 on Thursday in which he was tied for 144th place with three consecutive rounds under par — including a 7-under 64 on Sunday. While it was hardly good enough to win in the event at Royal Portrush Golf Club in Northern Ireland, it has altered the narrative on the heels of his previous performances at the Open Championship.
He tied for 10th place at 9-under 275, marking his second career Top 10 performance in the event.
DeChambeau recorded his first top-10 finish at the event in 2022; however he has missed the cut three times and tied for 33rd, 51st and 60th place.
“Yeah, look, it was fair conditions the past few days. I always told you guys I like it when it’s fair conditions. I can play well,” DeChambeau said. “I still have to crack the code when it’s raining and windy. But I feel like we’re getting close to some opportunities and solutions for that. It just takes a long time to develop stuff, I’m starting to learn.
“It was a fun three days. I was really proud of the way I turned it around and gave myself actually some hope on the third round, after I was 3-under. That first nine I thought, OK, if I go shoot 4- or 5-under on the back and give myself a chance on Sunday, throw myself up there and go out and play just as good as I did, like I did today, I could be right up there and giving Scottie (Scheffler) a run.”
DeChambeau, a two-time U.S. Open winner and currently No. 15 in the Official World Golf Ranking, found himself fifth in points heading into this tournament. The top six players in the standings automatically qualify for the Ryder Cup team. Captain Keegan Bradley will select the remaining six players.
“I hope I can bring a lot of energy and a tsunami of a crowd that’s going to be rooting for Team USA,” he said.
DeChambeau became emotional when asked if he had any communication with Bradley this week.
“I talked with him briefly, and then he put something in our lockers that was pretty inspirational,” he said. “It’s a personal message.”
Bradley wrote individualized messages to players who are in the top 15 on the current points list.
“It meant a lot,” DeChambeau said. “This year’s no joke. We’re tired of it. We’re tired of losing.”
–Field Level Media
