DeChambeau posts 67 at The Open, skips post-round interview

Bryson DeChambeau answered his critics with a strong opening round at The Open Championship on Thursday, July 16, 2026, but his subsequent decision to avoid the media has sparked debate about a player's responsibilities at a major tournament. The American golfer carded a three-under-par 67 at Royal Birkdale, leaving him just two shots off the lead held by fellow American Jackson Suber.

The performance was a direct response to pointed criticism from golf legend Sir Nick Faldo, who earlier in the week had questioned DeChambeau's strategic approach to links golf. The six-time major winner had stated that DeChambeau had "zero clue" of strategy, arguing that success on a links course requires threading the ball carefully through fairways rather than a power-based, aggressive style.

After his round, DeChambeau declined to speak with assembled reporters, continuing a pattern from other majors this season. He did, however, provide brief comments to a tournament official, which included a clear, repeated emphasis on strategy. "I think you've got to be a lot more strategic out on the golf course," DeChambeau said. "I feel like I did a really good job today of being incredibly strategic...