DeChambeau Closes Gap at 2026 British Open

DeChambeau Finds Himself in the Weekend After a Rough Start

DeChambeau’s 2026 campaign had been a series of missed cuts and quiet rounds before this week. He opened at Royal Birkdale with a 67 and followed with a 66, placing him at 7‑under for the tournament. That performance earned him a spot in the final group and a one‑shot deficit to the leader. The former major champion is now back in contention after a stretch where he failed to post any under‑par scores at the Masters, PGA Championship, and U.S. Open.

One Shot Behind Leader Lucas Herbert in the Final Group

Herbert stunned the field with a near‑historic 62 early in the field, giving him the outright lead. DeChambeau joined the second group after a smooth birdie on the par‑5 17th, then sealed a shot‑retreat with a final birdie on 18th. The two will tee off together on Saturday, setting up a direct duel for the lead. DeChambeau’s recent birdie streak has turned the leaderboard in his favor, positioning him for a possible victory.

Five Straight Sub‑60 Rounds and a Historic Standing

The streak of five consecutive rounds under 60 dates back to last year’s event at Royal Portrush, covering a span of 23 under‑par holes. Remarkably, DeChambeau remains the only past major winner sitting within three strokes of the lead. That run of low scores has revived his reputation as a major‑type player after a season of apparent decline. The numbers suggest he still has the firepower to challenge for a green jacket.

Early 2026 Struggles and Off‑Course Shifts

At the first three majors of 2026, DeChambeau missed the cut at the Masters and failed to make the weekend at both the PGA Championship and the U.S. Open. He never managed an under‑par round at any of those venues, a stark contrast to his recent form. Meanwhile, LIV Golf’s future dimmed as Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund withdrew funding after the 2026 season. DeChambeau has been dedicating more time to his YouTube channel amid the uncertainty.

Criticism from Nick Faldo and DeChambeau’s Response

Nick Faldo, a golfing legend, publicly criticized DeChambeau’s approach to links golf, claiming he “has zero clue of strategy.” The comments came during a Sky Sports interview and sparked a heated reaction. DeChambeau, in a brief conversation with the R&A’s reporter, emphasized his strategic mindset and highlighted his 3‑under opening round. He declined further media interactions that day, choosing to let his play speak.

Faldo Softens Remarks and DeChambeau Gears Up

Faldo later softened his stance on social media, acknowledging he “went too far” and expressing respect for DeChambeau’s game. He added that the former champion could still become the “champion golfer of the year” if he keeps his current momentum. DeChambeau now stands at a crossroads, free to chase a long‑awaited major title after weeks of doubt. The path to victory will be tested on Saturday, with the final group set to decide the leaderboard’s final order.

What Lies Ahead for Royal Birkdale

The final group setting creates a high‑pressure environment where every shot matters. DeChambeau will need to maintain the tactical focus he highlighted after his opening round. If his recent sub‑60 consistency holds, he could surge past Herbert and claim the coveted major win that has eluded him for over two years. Fans and pundits alike will be watching closely to see if the comeback culminates in a historic triumph.