The Open: Rory McIlroy, Bryson DeChambeau implode at Royal Troon

Round One of the Open Championship has examined PGA Tour and LIV Golf gamers fairly a bit.

Look no additional than Bryson DeChambeau and Rory McIlroy, who regarded misplaced at Royal Troon on Thursday. The prime two names from final month’s U.S. Open shot effectively over par.

DeChambeau carded a 5-over 76, a spherical that included 5 bogeys, one double bogey, and one eagle on the par-5 sixteenth.

McIlroy, in the meantime, signed for a 7-over 78 with one birdie, 4 bogeys and two double bogeys.

Simply put, the circumstances at Royal Troon had been gnarly, with winds over 25 mph. The breeze blew in a special route than the gamers noticed in observe rounds, out of the south, as a substitute of the prevailing wind from the north.

Photo by Harry How/Getty Images

“I used to be shocked how troublesome the again 9 performed,” McIlroy stated.

“I assumed we’d get it a bit simpler than we did. The course was enjoying robust. The circumstances are very troublesome in a wind we haven’t seen this week. When you get a wind you haven’t performed in, it presents totally different choices. You begin to consider possibly hitting a couple of golf equipment you haven’t hit in observe. Just a kind of days I didn’t adapt effectively sufficient to the circumstances.”

McIlroy went out in 38 strokes—2-over-par—which isn’t superb, however nonetheless one thing he may get well from. He stated he felt okay till he made a double bogey on the par-3 eighth, the 123-yard gap often called ‘The Postage Stamp.’

“Still, felt like I used to be in affordable sufficient form being a pair over by way of 9, considering that I may possibly get these couple photographs again, attempt to shoot even par, one thing like that,” McIlroy stated.

“Then, hitting the ball out of bounds on 11, making a double there. Even although the wind on the again 9 was serving to, it was rather a lot off the left.”

DeChambeau had comparable struggles. He got here into this week with nice confidence after successful the U.S. Open at Pinehurst No. 2.

Photo by Harry How/Getty Images

However, regardless of DeChambeau making essential changes earlier than Round One, the weather bought one of the best of him.

“Yeah, it’s a very totally different take a look at,” DeChambeau stated.

“I didn’t get any observe in it or play a lot within the rain. It’s a troublesome take a look at out right here. Something I’m not accustomed to. I by no means grew up enjoying it, and to not say that that’s the explanation—I completed eighth at St. Andrews. I can do it when it’s heat and never windy.”

At least DeChambeau salvaged his round with a late eagle. But the 30-year-old offered sincere solutions about how troublesome of a day it was. Regardless, he stays open to the problem and can look to discover a strategy to play the weekend.

“I’m happy with the way in which I persevered at this time,” DeChambeau defined.

“Shoot, man, I may have thrown within the towel after 9 and will have been like, I’m going residence. But no, I’ve bought an opportunity tomorrow. I’m excited for the problem. If I’ve some putts go in and hit some photographs the way in which I understand how to and determine this gear stuff, I’ll be good.”

Both gamers could have later tee instances for Friday’s spherical.

The climate will likely be overcast with a slight drizzle within the morning, however there will likely be some spells of sunshine by the afternoon.

However, that wind will likely be a big issue. In the afternoon, there will likely be south to southwest winds from 14-17 mph with gusts as much as 28-32 mph.

DeChambeau tees off at 9:48 a.m. ET with Ludvig Åberg and Tom Kim. McIlroy goes off later with Max Homa and Tyrrell Hatton at 10:10 a.m. ET on Friday.

Savannah Leigh Richardson is a golf employees author for SB Nation’s Playing Through. For extra golf protection, observe us @_PlayingThrough on all main social platforms. You may observe her on Twitter @SportsGirlSL and Instagram @golf_girl_sl.