Sir Nick Faldo responds to Bryson DeChambeau: "Gone too far as usual"
Sir Nick Faldo says he's a huge fan of Bryson DeChambeau despite claiming before The Open that the American had "zero clue" about strategy.
Sir Nick Faldo insists he is a "huge fan" of Bryson DeChambeau despite the American's pointed swipe at the hall of famer after The Open's first round.
Faldo fanned the flames before a ball was even struck at Royal Birkdale by telling the Sky Sports Golf podcast that the 32-year-old two-time U.S. Open champion had "zero clue" about strategy.
DeChambeau, who arrived at the Southport links having registered three missed major cuts in a row, answered his critics and then some by beginning his quest for a first Claret Jug with a superb three-under 67.
He did not speak to reporters after his first round but did answer a set of pre-approved questions to an R&A official whereby he emphasised one word.
"I think you've got to be a lot more strategic out on the golf course," he said.
"I feel like I did a really good job today of being incredibly strategic and focused super hard on placing it in the right places."
It prompted Faldo to post a video on his social media channels and the three-time Open champion stressed he is a huge fan of the LIV star and even routinely exchanges text messages with the golfer.
"So anyway, the Bryson thing, the strategy thing has gone too far as usual," Faldo said.
"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. We text each other throughout the season.
"I have respect for him and his game.
"But, it's 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.
Watch here:
Faldo added: "Interestingly, day one, [he] threw the strategy thing in 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'll be right there on Sunday to be the champion golfer of the year."
DeChambeau tees off in the second round at 15:04 BST alongside Scottie Scheffler and Tyrrell Hatton.
Follow our live blog to see how DeChambeau gets on.
Ben Smith joined the GolfMagic team in September 2021, initially as a content executive.
These days, he assumes the position of content manager.
