Bryson flips major script with 3-under 67

Take his picture off the milk carton and cancel the missing persons report: Bryson DeChambeau has finally turned up at a major championship in 2026.

DeChambeau came to Royal Birkdale with a stunning missed cut in all three majors this year, but Thursday at The Open, he flashed some brilliant form.

The 32-year-old put on a ball-striking clinic en route to an opening 3-under 67 and sits just one shot off the clubhouse lead held by Sungjae Im and Dan Brown. Not bad for a guy who had three-time Open Championship winner Nick Faldo roasting him earlier in the week.

"I'd say it to his face, DeChambeau has zero clue of strategy," Faldo said.

It didn't look like DeChambeau lacked strategy after he finished Thursday's round leading the field with six birdie chances inside 10 feet. The only thing that kept him from leading outright was a balky putter that saw him sit 99th in the field on the greens.

DeChambeau referenced strategy multiple times in a short post-round interview.

While it's only 18 holes, the performance in Round 1 must be encouraging for DeChambeau, whose results in majors this year had him teetering on the edge of the wrong kind of history.

DeChambeau faces a lengthy break before going out Friday: His grouping with Tyrrell Hatton and Scottie Scheffler is one of the last off the tee in Round 2.

The conditions will be tougher with more wind expected, but DeChambeau's ball-striking in Round 1 should give him confidence.