The first round of The Open at Royal Troon Golf Club presented a big challenge for recent U.S. Open champions Bryson DeChambeau and Rory McIlroy. Both golfers encountered difficulties in the windy and rainy conditions on Scotland’s west coast, resulting in disappointing performances.
DeChambeau, who had secured victory at Pinehurst No. 2 just a month prior, finished with a 5-over 76. His round was hindered by early setbacks, including a three-putt bogey on the first hole and an errant tee shot on the third. The unpredictable wind conditions at Royal Troon added to the challenge, leading to a double bogey on the sixth hole.
McIlroy faced an even tougher time, carding a 7-over par round. His troubles began on the renowned “Postage Stamp” eighth hole, where a bunker shot led to a double-bogey. The back nine presented similar challenges, with another double bogey on the 11th hole after hitting an out-of-bounds tee shot.
Both players acknowledged the difficult conditions. DeChambeau noted the unfamiliarity of playing in such weather, while McIlroy expressed surprise at the course’s difficulty, particularly on the back nine.
“Even though the wind on the back nine was helping, it was a lot off the left,” Rory McIlroy said. “I was actually surprised how difficult I felt like the back nine played. I thought we were going to get it a little bit easier than we did. The course was playing tough. The conditions are very difficult in a wind that we haven’t seen so far this week.”
In contrast, Justin Thomas handled the challenging conditions more effectively, posting a 3-under 68 to claim the early clubhouse lead.
Despite not being known for his links golf prowess, Thomas demonstrated resilience by recovering from a mid-round double-bogey and finishing with birdies on the final two holes.
