Sir Nick Faldo has suggested that he speaks to Bryson DeChambeau throughout the year, as he assessed his chances of winning The Open Championship at Royal Birkdale.
DeChambeau is used to being the player most are talking about at golf events.
What do you think about Bryson DeChambeau's conduct with the media?
This week in Southport is no different after Sir Nick Faldo made some strong comments about his approach to links golf.
Faldo claimed DeChambeau had no idea how to play in Open Championship conditions having previously said that he wanted to be as aggressive as possible.
Sir Nick Faldo responds to Bryson DeChambeau’s comments at The Open Championship
DeChambeau initially responded with a superb first round at Royal Birkdale. The two-time US Open champion finished the opening day at three under par.
However, discussion soon turned to the post-round comments the 32-year-old made. While he did not speak to all of the media, DeChambeau did give an interview where he mentioned how happy he was with his strategy.
There was no ambiguity over who his comments were directed at.
Faldo has now posted a video on social media in which he attempted to clear the air.
“The Bryson thing, strategy thing has gone too far, as usual. Yes, I’m an analyst. I’m on a podcast. I say something – fine. But number one, I’m a big fan of Bryson. Let’s get that out,” he said.
“We text each other through the season, what have you. I have respect for him and his game. But it is fair to say over the last couple of years, he hasn’t shown much strategy on a links golf course. And I believe I know a little bit about strategy from my day. But interestingly, day one, threw the strategy thing into the ring, talked about it, did it, played it, shot a great score.
“Now if he keeps doing that and the way the golf course is playing, hard and fast, I think we all agree, strategy will be key to becoming Champion Golfer of the Year, so I do wish him all the best. If he keeps it going and keeps playing well, maybe he will be right there on Sunday to be the Champion Golfer of the Year.”
Bryson DeChambeau may have already repeated a big mistake from the US Open at Royal Birkdale
DeChambeau has proven on a number of occasions that his way of playing the game can lead to incredible success. Few players have done more to change perceptions of the game in recent years.
However, it was arguably a real mistake from DeChambeau to hit out at Faldo after one good round.
DeChambeau looked ridiculous after the US Open at Shinnecock Hills having asked his social media followers whether he would finally make a cut.
He ended up missing the cut that week, his third in the majors this season.
There are no guarantees that DeChambeau will make the cut at Birkdale. He was just outside the top 10 after the first round in New York. So he has plenty of work to do on Friday at The Open.
Should he endure a nightmare round, DeChambeau could make history with yet another missed cut in the majors.
And Faldo would have absolutely been vindicated for his initial comments.
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