Bryson DeChambeau and Rory McIlroy struggled Thursday morning as Justin Thomas took the early lead at the Open Championship.
But in the opening round of The Open at Royal Troon Golf Club, they struggled to defeat Mother Nature -- and themselves -- in what was a Thursday morning to forget in the wind and rain on Scotland's west coast.
DeChambeau and McIlroy weren't the only golfers left perplexed by the unpredictable wind at Royal Troon. Golfers typically play the front nine with the wind at their backs, then close with a difficult back nine with the wind in their faces, but it was the opposite in the first round. McIlroy didn't seem to be in trouble on the front nine. He made a bogey on No. 1, but quickly answered with a birdie on the par-4 third. He was even par after seven holes.
Things only got worse for McIlroy after he made the turn. After making a bogey on No. 10, the four-time major champion sliced his tee shot over the railway and out of bounds on the right. That led to another double-bogey that moved him to 5 over. Thomas chipped in from off the green for a birdie on the par-4 second and added three more birdies and one bogey to make the turn at 3-under 33. After another birdie on the 10th, he badly pulled his tee shot to the left on No. 12 and had to take a penalty drop, leading to a double-bogey. He made a bogey on the 13th after pushing his drive into high rough on the right.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Rory McIlroy, Bryson DeChambeau implode early amid British Open carnageWe are not in Pinehurst anymore.
Read more »
Bryson DeChambeau wins another U.S. Open with a clutch finish to deny Rory McIlroyIf you're an average golf player, does the type of golf ball you use really make a difference?
Read more »
Bryson DeChambeau Has Amusing Answer for His Workout PlaylistAt LIV Nashville, DeChambeau was asked what he listens to on the range. His answer might surprise you.
Read more »
LIV Golf Odds and Picks: Bryson DeChambeau the Betting Favorite After U.S. Open WinBreaking down the odds and best bets to win this week's LIV event, LIV Nashville, including Bryson DeChambeau who is set as the betting favorite.
Read more »
Bryson DeChambeau Carries U.S. Open Trophy Around Downtown NashvilleDays after winning the U.S. Open Championship, Bryson DeChambeau was spotted casually carrying the trophy around on the busy streets of downtown Nashville
Read more »
Bryson DeChambeau takes US Open trophy out in NashvilleBryson DeChambeau was living it up in Nashville after he secured his second U.S. Open win on Sunday.
Read more »