Bryson DeChambeau credited his late father for motivating him to stage a remarkable comeback and secure a spot at The Open. The American golfer, known for his powerful shots, shot a stellar six-under-par 65 to bounce back from a rough start and finish at one over par after the first round at Royal Portrush.
DeChambeau had a challenging round on Thursday, posting a disappointing 78 that included some struggles on the links course, including a notable mishit of a ball. Despite looking visibly upset after finishing his round, he managed to turn things around, attributing his resilience to the wise advice of his father, Jon, who passed away in 2022.
Reflecting on his turnaround, DeChambeau mentioned his father’s words of never giving up, which inspired him to persevere through tough moments. He expressed pride in his ability to maintain composure and stay focused, especially when he felt the urge to show frustration by slamming clubs or throwing things.
While DeChambeau may not be in contention for the championship, he remains determined to make the most of the remaining days at the Dunluce links as he continues to refine his golf skills. Emphasizing the challenges of playing in varying conditions, he acknowledged the need to adapt and excel in all situations to become a well-rounded golfer.
Comparing his aspirations to those of fellow golfer Phil Mickelson, DeChambeau acknowledged that achieving success in such prestigious tournaments would be a crowning achievement in his career. Despite the obstacles faced, he remains focused on improving his game and rising to the challenges presented at The Open.