DeChambeau Fires 67 at The Open, Defending Strategy After 3 Missed Major Cuts

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 · Fox News · Jul 16

Bryson DeChambeau opened The Open with a three-under 67 at Royal Birkdale, his first under-par major round of 2026 after missed cuts at the Masters, PGA Championship and U.S. Open.
In a brief post-round interview, the 32-year-old said he had been "incredibly strategic" and placed the ball well, a clear answer to Nick Faldo's claim that he had "zero clue of strategy" on links courses.
The criticism had intensified as Brandel Chamblee also argued DeChambeau was too focused on YouTube golf, but DeChambeau said only his driving on a few holes needed work.
His recent Open data backs part of that defense: DeChambeau has gained strokes off the tee in each of the last 4 Opens and ranked third in that category again in round one.
Approach play has been the bigger swing factor in his Open results, and he gained more than 2 shots there Thursday, putting himself in contention heading into the weekend.