Faldo questions DeChambeau links strategy at Open
Three-time Open champion Nick Faldo has criticised Bryson DeChambeau’s power-driven approach ahead of Royal Birkdale, highlighting a persistent strategic divide in how the European major is played.
Sir Nick Faldo has launched a blunt critique of Bryson DeChambeau’s approach to links golf, stating the American has "zero clue of strategy" ahead of The Open at Royal Birkdale. The three-time champion's remarks underscore the enduring challenge Europe's oldest major poses to power-focused players.
DeChambeau arrives at Royal Birkdale looking to end a run of three consecutive missed cuts in major championships. Despite a strong season on the LIV Golf tour with victories in Singapore and South Africa, the 32-year-old has struggled at the PGA Championship, The Masters and the US Open.
The tension stems from DeChambeau’s reliance on distance. At last year’s Open at Royal Portrush, he opened with a seven-over 78 after declaring his "driver would be key" to conquering the course. He ultimately recovered to finish tied for 10th, but the aggressive tactic drew scepticism from traditionalists.
"I'd say it to his face - DeChambeau has zero clue of strategy," Faldo told the Sky Sports Golf podcast. "He said last year: 'I'm going to go out and attack the links'. Well, I've never attacked a links. You thread it, don't you? You feed it down the fairway."
Faldo argued that the unpredictable bounce of coastal courses renders sheer power counterproductive. "You look at humps and bumps. If I send it over and feed it, it nudges back into play. You don't think: 'Oh, I'll just blast it down there'," Faldo said. "So you've got to think: 'How do I get it on the short grass?' It is so important."
Rather than abandoning his analytical methods, DeChambeau is leaning further into technology. He will use a new set of 3D-printed irons at Royal Birkdale, which he says take about an hour to print and have already been approved by the USGA. "They're spinning out of the rough more consistently," DeChambeau noted.
Scheffler favoured despite Scottish slip
While DeChambeau attempts to solve the links puzzle, defending champion Scottie Scheffler remains the favourite in Faldo's eyes. Scheffler arrives at Royal Birkdale having missed the cut at the Genesis Scottish Open, his first elimination in 78 starts.
Faldo dismissed the significance of that result. "It means nothing," Faldo said, arguing that firm, windy conditions would level the playing field. "As we know, Scheffler is literally the best at chipping and putting," he added, pointing to the skills required when players inevitably miss the greens on bumpy run-offs.
DeChambeau remains optimistic about his chances on a course that "really tests every facet of your game." However, Faldo's intervention highlights the strategic divide that continues to define the competition between Europe's traditional links venues and the modern, technology-driven American game.
