At Royal Birkdale during the 2026 Open Championship, Bryson DeChambeau’s usual aggressive style seemed completely out of place. Instead of carefully navigating the rolling fairways and notorious pot bunkers, he repeatedly swung hard and long, missing fairways and running into trouble. A key moment came when a drive sailed wildly off target, leaving him blocked out behind a mound, a vivid symbol of his struggles on this demanding links course. This wasn’t just an off day — it spotlighted a fundamental issue that golf legend Nick Faldo didn’t hesitate to call out.
Faldo’s Sharp Take on DeChambeau’s Links Strategy
Nick Faldo, a six-time major champion and respected analyst, pulled no punches in his assessment on the Sky Sports Golf Podcast. He described DeChambeau’s recent performances in majors as a “Rough Slam,” a nod to the American missing the cut in the first three majors of 2026. But more than the results, Faldo zeroed in on DeChambeau’s approach to links golf, saying the player has "zero clue of strategy." That’s a harsh charge from someone who knows what winning on links demands.
Faldo emphasized that links golf isn’t about bombing it down the middle and hoping for the best. Instead, it’s about precision — threading shots between hazards, playing the contours of the fairway, and managing the unpredictable bounce and roll. DeChambeau’s tendency to prioritize distance over accuracy, Faldo argued, clashes with the subtlety required at venues like Royal Birkdale.
Why DeChambeau’s Open Championship 2026 Struggles Are More Than Form
The recurring theme in DeChambeau’s major championship woes this year is a lack of adaptation. Despite winning back-to-back events on the LIV Golf circuit, his game hasn’t translated well to the major stage, especially on links courses. Faldo pointed out this pattern among some LIV stars, who dominate in their circuit but falter under the unique pressures and conditions of majors.
DeChambeau’s recent results back this up: a triple bogey on the 18th hole at the Masters, missed cuts at the PGA Championship and U.S. Open, and now struggles at the Open. Yet, this is a player who has tasted major success not long ago — winning the 2024 U.S. Open and finishing in the top 10 at recent Opens. The sharp decline highlights a strategic disconnect rather than a simple loss of talent.
Why Links Golf Demands More Than Power
Faldo’s critique boils down to a fundamental truth about links golf: raw power alone won’t cut it. The narrow fairways, deep bunkers, and swirling winds demand finesse and course management. DeChambeau’s “bomb it down” mentality is at odds with the delicate touch required to avoid getting trapped by the course’s natural hazards.
Royal Birkdale’s fairway pot bunkers are especially punishing. Pro Michael Kim even tweeted about their difficulty, warning players to avoid them at all costs. Fellow LIV member Jon Rahm hinted at a similar philosophy during his pre-tournament press conference, cautioning against relying too heavily on the driver in Open conditions. Rahm’s approach—balancing aggression with caution—contrasts sharply with DeChambeau’s struggles.
The Stakes Behind Faldo’s Criticism
Faldo’s comments carry weight because they spotlight what many casual fans might miss: major golf, particularly links golf, demands a strategic mindset as much as skill. DeChambeau’s case is a striking example of how failing to adjust strategy can unravel even the most talented players. His 2026 Open Championship struggles are less about swing mechanics and more about his inability to adapt to the course’s demands.
This critique also highlights the broader challenge LIV Golf players face when stepping back onto traditional major stages. Success in one circuit doesn’t guarantee smooth sailing elsewhere, especially on courses that punish recklessness.
What to Watch Next
As the 2026 major season unfolds, all eyes will be on DeChambeau’s response. His contract with LIV Golf ends this year, adding pressure to prove he can still contend on golf’s biggest stages. The next major, the PGA Championship, offers him a crucial chance to recalibrate his strategy and show that his struggles at Royal Birkdale were a blip rather than a trend. Whether he can shift from power to precision will determine if his major championship legacy can endure or if the “Rough Slam” tag sticks.
According to All The Golf, Faldo’s candid critique opens a window into the strategic demands of links golf that many observers overlook. For DeChambeau, mastering that nuance might be the key to turning his Open Championship fortunes around.
What this means: DeChambeau’s issues at the Open are rooted in his approach to links golf, not just his swing. Understanding how links courses punish power-first strategies explains why his major results differ so sharply from his LIV wins. This matters now because it reveals the tactical adjustments needed for success at Royal Birkdale and similar venues. For a broader view, explore our coverage of golf majors coverage and results.
Source: according to All The Golf
All facts and quotes are credited to their originating outlets. Learn more about our sourcing policy.