Bryson DeChambeau’s bid to bounce back at The Open – A hole-by-hole analysis

By Andy Hampson, Press Association

Bryson DeChambeau was at the centre of controversy after being hit with a two-stroke penalty after his second round at The Open at Royal Birkdale.

The Press Association’s Andy Hampson followed the American during his third round as he attempted to put the issue behind him and reignite his challenge for the Claret Jug on Saturday.

Here is how the round unfolded.

Hole 1: The reception DeChambeau received as he arrived on the first tee was only positive, with huge cheers and shouts from the packed grandstand. The American is a hugely popular figure with a large section of the golfing public and fans were rallying behind their man. Friday’s fiasco had clearly not damaged his sense of humour too much. After carving his tee shot into the rough on the left, he bent down to remove some pine cones near his ball. “Loose impediments!” he was quick to exclaim, to much laughter from those watching.

Hole 2: The good vibes initially continued as he cracked a perfect drive down the middle of the fairway, with plenty of shouts of “Come on Bryson” as he walked to his ball. Then came the first test as his approach landed in grass similar in length to that that caused his problems. “Mind where you stand lad,” shouted one helpful Scouser before a football-style “oooooo” chant as if DeChambeau’s practice swing was a goal-kick. The resulting chip was fine, but there were groans when the par putt was missed.

Hole 3: For all the media focus on DeChambeau, it was clear by now that for this particular crowd there were bigger shows elsewhere on the course, chiefly local favourite Tommy Fleetwood. Yet, while the numbers following his all-American game with Sam Burns were thinning out, those watching continued to show their love, notably when he holed for par.

Hole 4: All the shouts of “Come on Bryson” around the green briefly turned to cries of anguish when his birdie putt stopped short but quickly resumed again. A lone voice humorously provided some variety by shouting “Come on Burnsy” instead. Burns responded with a birdie and it was him providing the early fireworks in this match.

Hole 5: The shout of “Up the Toffees” may have gone over his head, but it was a frustrating visit to the fifth green as a birdie opportunity went by. Still, healthy applause as he tidied up for par.

Hole 6: After more banter with fans after hitting left, there came the first signs of juices starting to flow as DeChambeau holed a lengthy, curling putt for birdie. He fist-pumped the air in delight and the fans loved it. “Get in,” a few shouted.