DeChambeau Fires Back at Faldo After 67 Puts Him 3 Under at The Open

Q: Are DeChambeau’s new 3D-printed irons the secret weapon behind his surprising turnaround at The Open Championship?

Probably not by themselves, but they appear to be part of the reason. DeChambeau is using a full set of custom 3D-printed irons at Royal Birkdale, a notable change after using only a single 3D-printed 5-iron earlier in the year. His opening 67 — his first under-par major round of 2026 after three straight missed cuts in majors — suggests something has improved, and DeChambeau himself pointed to his iron play, saying he “iron played really well and made some good putts.” There is also outside evidence that his ball-striking was sharper. Playing partner Tyrrell Hatton said DeChambeau’s ball flight was “really good” and that he “didn’t really hit many bad shots.” That matters on a links course, where trajectory control is critical. The new irons may be helping him produce that flight. But the round also points to other factors. DeChambeau hit only four of 14 fairways, nearly last in driving accuracy, so this was not a case of one equipment change fixing everything. His own explanation centered on strategy — “placing it in the right places” — a pointed response to criticism that he lacked a links-game plan. He also said he went to the range afterward to work on driving accuracy, inspired by Scottie Scheffler. So the best reading after one round is that the 3D-printed irons are a meaningful contributor, especially to his iron play and trajectory control, but not a proven “secret weapon.” His improved strategy, course management and putting look just as important to the turnaround.

3 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Jul 16

A 3-under 67 gave Bryson DeChambeau his first under-par major round of 2026 and put him in early Open Championship contention despite a closing bogey at 18.
DeChambeau used pre-submitted comments to stress he had been "incredibly strategic," a clear answer to Sir Nick Faldo's recent claim that he had "zero clue of strategy."
Faldo, speaking on Sky Sports after the round, said he may have "rattled his cage" and joked that DeChambeau had proved he does have strategy on a links course.
Just 2 bogeys marked a sharp improvement for DeChambeau, who made 14 bogeys or worse in the opening rounds of this season's first three majors and had not made a cut since last year's Open.
Tyrrell Hatton, who played alongside DeChambeau and Scottie Scheffler, said his ball flight was "really good" and that it should not surprise anyone to see the two-time major winner contend.