Bryson DeChambeau, a major champion known for his analytical approach to golf, faces a unique challenge at The Open Championship: the unpredictable winds of links golf. As the 2025 Open Championship approaches at Royal Portrush, questions linger about whether DeChambeau can master the elements that have previously hampered his performance.
DeChambeau himself acknowledges the difficulty. "This is going to be wild, but imagine a scenario where you’ve got a 400-yard tent, and you can just hit any type of shot with any wind with all the fans," he mused during a pre-tournament press conference. He envisions a controlled environment, a stark contrast to the unpredictable nature of links courses.
The wind presents a particularly frustrating variable for DeChambeau, a golfer who thrives on controlling as many factors as possible. He's been experimenting with curving the ball against the wind, rather than relying on it. "If you’re going to try to ride the wind one time, how do I control and make sure it doesn’t go into a crazy place?" he explained. "Because once the ball goes into that wind, it’s sayonara. That thing can go forever offline."
DeChambeau’s struggles at The Open are not unique. Many major champions have found links golf to be a different beast. The Open Championship tests creativity and adaptability, rewarding players who can use the contours of the ground and manage the ever-changing weather conditions. Some golfers excel in this environment, while others struggle to adapt.
For DeChambeau, the key will be adapting his game to the unique demands of links golf. "Hitting it far, hitting it straight as I can, and learning how to putt better on these greens in windy conditions and rain and all that. It’s just figuring it out," he said. "It’s just going to take time and something that I never really experienced growing up in California."
Will DeChambeau find the answers he seeks at Royal Portrush? Only time will tell. But one thing is certain: his performance will be closely watched as he attempts to conquer the wind and claim his first Open Championship title.