Rory McIlroy and Bryson DeChambeau Shoot Themselves Out of the British Open…… 

 

Rory McIlroy and Bryson DeChambeau Fall to……

TROON, Scotland*— The anticipation for a thrilling rematch from the U.S. Open vanished into the Scottish mist on Thursday as Rory McIlroy and Bryson DeChambeau both stumbled out of contention during the opening round of the British Open at Royal Troon.

 

Both players struggled significantly amid the challenging conditions and a shift in wind direction, collectively carding a staggering 12-over par for the round. The U.S. Open champion DeChambeau faltered with a 76, while McIlroy lagged behind with a 78.

 

DeChambeau’s round was marred by a tough first nine, where he shot a 42, struggling with just three pars. His attempts to adapt were further hindered by equipment issues related to the cooler temperatures and the golf ball’s performance. “I didn’t get any practice in the rain, and it’s a tough test,” DeChambeau admitted. “I’ve never played in these conditions before.”

 

McIlroy, meanwhile, faced a similarly rough day. Despite an opening birdie, he fell victim to Royal Troon’s unpredictable elements. A misjudged tee shot on the notorious 8th hole, known as the Postage Stamp, saw him land in a bunker, leading to a double bogey. Another costly mistake on the 11th hole, where his tee shot went out of bounds, resulted in another double bogey. McIlroy ended the round with bogeys on the 15th and 18th holes, marking his highest score since a 79 at the 2021 Players Championship.

 

“The conditions were very tough,” McIlroy said. “I tried to adapt, but the wind and the elements presented challenges I didn’t handle well.”

 

Despite his struggles, McIlroy drew from past experiences, recalling his 2019 Open debut where he made a strong comeback after a disappointing start. “I just need to focus on making the cut,” McIlroy said.

 

DeChambeau remained hopeful despite his rough start. After a difficult first nine, he managed to salvage his round with a bogey at the 15th and an eagle at the 16th. “I’m proud of how I persevered today,” DeChambeau said. “I’ve got a chance tomorrow, and I’m excited for the challenge. If I can adjust my equipment and make some putts, I’ll be in good shape.”

 

With a 36-hole cut line at 70 and ties, both players face a significant challenge to stay in the mix as they look to rebound on Friday.