The links courses have a unique way of testing a player’s skills. Some golfers may be able to overcome the tough challenge, while some just can’t. The LIV golfer, Bryson DeChambeau fell in the second category. After a mesmerizing run at the last three majors (T6, T2, and T1), DeChambeau missed the cut after the second round of the 2024 Open Championship after having a disastrous run.

The golfer scored five over par with five bogeys, one double bogey, and one eagle in the first round. And to no one’s surprise, fans were extremely upset with the score, especially after his epic win at the Pinehurst. On Friday too, the LIV golfer’s performance was poor as he shot 4 over par, totaling his score to 9 over par, and missing the cut by 3 strokes. Not only he, but the legend Tiger Woods, also missed the cut. It sure hurt fans, but not as much as DeChambeau’s missed cut did. The 2x US Open winner came forward with reasons that led to him missing the cut in the golf’s oldest major.

The golfer didn’t back away from admitting that he was short on practice. He said in the post-round press conference on Thursday, “Yeah, it’s a completely different test. I didn’t get any practice in it, and I didn’t really play much in the rain,” said DeChambeau. Ah, the mighty destroyer and every golfer’s nightmare: the rain. The first round at the Royal Troon saw rain with wind gusts, adding another challenge for players, especially the two-time major winner. 

The golfer had a similar challenge in the 2022 Open championship as well. Recalling his past performance, DeChambeau said, “I finished eighth at St. Andrews. I can do it when it’s warm and not windy.” Blowing at a speed of 25 mph (40.23 km/h), wind also played a major challenging factor, and led to the Scienticist performing the way he did.

Another reason the man of the people gave was the equipment. You must be wondering how the equipment can be a problem when he’s been using it for years. Well, as the golfer himself knows, “It’s something equipment-related. The golf ball is — look, I’m not at 190 ball speed, so particularly when I’m hitting driver or 3-wood, those clubs are built for around that speed, that 190 ball speed, and my 3-wood around 180, so in colder, firmer conditions, the golf ball is not compressing as much.”

The quote proves how much DeChambeau knows about golf and understands that small changes can make a big difference. He’s pointing out that his equipment, swing, and the weather conditions all work together to affect his game, and not for the better. Think that was all that led to the golfer’s poor performance? Well, think again, because there is another reason!

Bryson DeChambeau struggled physically too at the 2024 Open

Everyone is aware of how physical health and fatigue can play a crucial role in any game, and the world’s number one, Scottie Scheffler, knows that all too well. That’s why he didn’t compete in the 2024 Scottish Open which was scheduled a week before The Open. The golfer chose to rest at home and recharge his batteries for the ultimate challenge. Scheffler was determined to avoid a repeat of his disappointing performance at the U.S. Open, where exhaustion caught up with him after a taxing schedule at the Memorial Tournament, leading to a T41 finish.

However, the 2024 U.S. Open winner didn’t do the same and paid the price. After playing several tournaments in a row after the US Open like the LIV Houston, US Open, LIV Nashville, and LIV Andalucia, the golfer competed at the Royal Troon without any rest.

DeChambeau was out of the game after making a poor score of nine over par at the Royal Troon. But there are still many players competing for the incredible Claret Jug! So buckle up, because the ride is far from over! Now that we will see Bryson DeChambeau tee off at a major next year, the wait is going to be long!