DeChambeau's Final Round Unravels at the 11th
Deep into the final round of The Open, Bryson DeChambeau faced a critical moment at the par-four 11th hole. Having slipped to minus five, four shots off the clubhouse lead with eight holes to play, he had yet to make a birdie all day. A sliver of hope remained, recalling Jordan Spieth's comeback from four shots down on the same back nine in 2017 to win the Claret Jug. However, history would not repeat itself.
DeChambeau's driver flew 301 yards into thick rough on the left. His second shot traveled just eight yards, and his third flew into deep fescue on the right, where it was declared unplayable after an extensive search. The resulting one-shot penalty forced him to take a buggy 138 yards back to the original spot. The crowd serenaded him with chants of 'Rory! Rory McIlroy!' as he recorded a triple-bogey seven, effectively ending his tournament. The R&A could quietly exhale.
Pantomime Atmosphere and Crowd Reaction
The scene was a stark contrast to the giddy atmosphere when DeChambeau teed off earlier. Despite Friday's controversy over a two-shot penalty for altering the conditions of his shot, and McIlroy accusing him of holding the tournament hostage, the crowd remained largely supportive. The 1st tee was surrounded by 10 deep crowds, including many young people and children—an atypical golf audience. A huge cheer greeted DeChambeau, followed by laughter after a fan shouted, 'Rory's going to buy you a pint after!'
Many of DeChambeau's supporters are among his 2.8 million YouTube subscribers, where he promotes his anti-establishment image. While most golfers prepared for The Open by playing in Scotland or practising early at Birkdale, DeChambeau filmed himself playing the nine-hole Northwood golf club in the Redwoods, garnering over 2 million views. His first drive of the final round was a powerful shot into light rough, prompting gasps and a shout of 'absolute rocket that!' His approach landed 10 feet from the hole, but the putt missed, drawing sighs from believers.
Early Hopes Dashed
To win, DeChambeau needed a fast start before 25mph gusts materialised, then hold on. However, the 2nd hole mirrored the 1st: a huge drive into light rough, a decent approach, and a missed putt. The crowd remained overwhelmingly positive, with only one critical voice on the 4th hole shouting, 'Don't stomp the grass down, Bryson.'
Scottie Scheffler later defended DeChambeau, saying, 'Bryson, I’ve known him for a long time, and he’s a lot of things, but he’s definitely not a cheater. I’ve never seen him cheat once... When you’re watching him there from that camera angle, maybe he was a touch careless around his ball, but I don’t think he did anything intentionally.' The R&A had not accused DeChambeau of cheating, stating he inadvertently changed the conditions of his shot by walking on the fescue.
Final Collapse and Exit
Despite his followers' expectations, DeChambeau's magic never materialised. His driver remained wayward approaching the turn. Smart putts at the 6th and 7th saved par, but a bogey at the 8th saw him fall back. As he left Royal Birkdale, reporters hoping for comment heard only seven words: 'Have a good night everyone. Thank you.'
Since Friday, the incident on the 5th hole had been analysed nearly as closely as the Zapruder film, with thousands weighing in. However, DeChambeau mustered barely a whimper when it mattered most, ending his Open challenge with a whimper.
