This is a tale of two major tournaments between Bryson DeChambeau and Rory McIlroy.
After an epic showdown between the two that saw DeChambeau win his second U.S. Open title last month, things unfolded very differently at the British Open.
After a tough first round at Royal Troon on Thursday, the No. 1 and No. 2 ranked players at the U.S. Open are now battling for a spot in the cut.
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Rory McIlroy reacts after missing a birdie putt on the fourth green in the opening round of the British Open. (AP Photo/Peter Morrison)
McIlroy shot 78, seven-over par, his worst opening round at a major championship in five years.
DeChambeau didn’t finish under par until the 16th hole, where he made a 55-foot eagle putt that was the lone bright spot of the day, finishing with a 5-over 76.
The reigning U.S. Open champion is looking forward to being in action again on Friday.
“I’m proud of how I did today,” DeChambeau said. “Yeah, I could have just given up after nine holes and decided, ‘I’m going home.’ But I have a chance tomorrow and I’m excited to give it a go.”
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Bryson DeChambeau plays from the rough on the third hole during the opening round of the British Open. (AP Photo/John Super)
DeChambeau was on the driving range after the press conference, trying to check on his equipment after a “weird” day.
McIlroy said he plans to take some time off before returning after missing both 30-inch and 4-foot putts on the 16th and 18th holes in the U.S. Open and finishing tied for fourth at last week’s Scottish Open in his first start since Pinehurst.
The 35-year-old Northern Irishman was looking to continue his good form but his plans were thwarted by the weather.
“When you have winds you’ve never played in before, it gives you different options and you start thinking about hitting some clubs you haven’t hit in practice,” McIlroy said. “It was just one of those days where I just didn’t adapt to the conditions.”
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Rory McIlroy plays from the rough on the fourth hole during the opening round of the British Open. (AP Photo/Peter Morrison)
“I’ve got to play better in these conditions. I’ve got to play better and get under par and at least be here for the weekend, or at least get a little higher on the leaderboard and feel like I have a half a chance.”
McIlroy was 12 strokes behind the leader when he entered the clubhouse.
DeChambeau is scheduled to tee off at 9:48 a.m. ET on Friday, while McIlroy will tee off at 10:10 a.m. ET.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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