‘Zero Clue of Strategy’: Why Golf Legend Nick Faldo is Unloading on Bryson DeChambeau Ahead of Royal Birkdale

For Australian golf enthusiasts gearing up for late-night viewing of The Open Championship, the pre-tournament atmosphere has been supercharged by a blistering verbal broadside from one of the game's greatest icons. Ahead of the first round at Royal Birkdale, six-time major champion Sir Nick Faldo has publicly dismantled American star Bryson DeChambeau's approach to links golf, claiming the power-hitting LIV Golf marquee draw is tactically lost when it comes to the sport's oldest championship.

Behind the Headlines

The sudden friction between the three-time Open champion and the modern game's most unorthodox figure highlights a fundamental clash of golfing philosophies. Faldo, whose masterclass in course management saw him make the cut in each of his first 23 Open appearances, represents the classic purist school where links courses are solved through patience, trajectory control, and chess-like strategy. DeChambeau, conversely, has built his brand on high-velocity clubhead speeds, 3D-printed irons, and a determination to overpower golf courses regardless of their design. This intellectual divide has widened during a historically poor major campaign for the American, who arrived in Southport on the precipice of an embarrassing milestone.

Adding fuel to the fire is DeChambeau’s status as the poster child for LIV Golf. Traditional analysts have frequently pointed to the Saudi-backed league's 54-hole, no-cut format as a primary reason for the recent struggles of its top players in the intensely pressured environment of 72-hole major championships. Faldo himself has previously criticized LIV players, suggesting that competing on a circuit with fewer competitive consequences has caused some superstars to go soft when facing genuine sporting adversity.

Here's What Happened

Speaking on the Sky Sports Golf podcast, the 68-year-old Faldo did not mince his words when asked about DeChambeau's prospects. Referring to DeChambeau’s stated ambition to dominate the terrain, Faldo asserted that the American has zero clue of strategy on a links. He explained that a links layout cannot be attacked with sheer force, but must instead be threaded and fed down narrow fairways that are often only 20 yards wide. He mocked the idea of simply blasting the ball down the fairway without being able to see where it is going.

The critique comes at a historically vulnerable moment for the 32-year-old DeChambeau, who has endured an absolute nightmare in the 2026 majors. After winning the 2024 U.S. Open in spectacular fashion at Pinehurst, his form has plummeted, resulting in missed cuts at the Masters, the PGA Championship, and the U.S. Open at Shinnecock. If he misses the cut at Royal Birkdale this week, he will become the first multiple major champion since 1998 to fail to make the weekend in all four majors in a single calendar year—a dubious achievement Faldo jokingly referred to as a rough slam.

The criticism of DeChambeau has not been limited to Faldo. Prominent American analyst Brandel Chamblee launched a separate, scathing attack on the golfer’s priorities, comparing his current focus to chasing YouTube views rather than competing with elite players. Chamblee remarked that it was a major surprise of the year to see DeChambeau seemingly transition from chasing top professionals like Scottie Scheffler to chasing prominent YouTube golfer Grant Horvat, suggesting the major champion is more concerned with digital fame than on-course performance.

Voices & Opinions

Despite the heavy criticism, DeChambeau appeared relaxed and unbothered during his practice rounds, dismissing the pressure of his major championship drought.

It's disappointing but life goes on man. I mean there's plenty more opportunity, and I'm excited for this week no matter if I do well, or miss the cut, make the cut, win or don't win - it's just golf guys.

While the American remains outwardly calm, his peer group is preparing for a highly tactical tournament where drivers are being left in the bag. Former major winner Jon Rahm echoed Faldo's strategic warnings, noting that pulling out drivers over four rounds of an Open Championship inevitably leads to costly mistakes. Rahm recalled his own aggressive errors at Carnoustie in 2018, noting that fast, firm fairways demand control from the tee and will likely force players to rely heavily on long irons rather than sheer power.

The Bigger Picture

This strategic debate directly impacts the Australian contingent at Royal Birkdale, many of whom are uniquely suited to the firm, fast-running conditions. Former Open champion Cameron Smith has expressed excitement for the challenge, noting that downwind shots can run out to extreme distances, which demands extreme patience. Meanwhile, fellow Australian Lucas Herbert revealed he was heavily contemplating playing the tournament without a driver in his bag entirely, after hitting three-irons that ran out over 270 metres in practice.

For viewers, this tactical battle creates a highly unpredictable spectacle. Unlike typical tournaments where players automatically reach for their drivers, Birkdale’s rebuilt greens, relocated bunkers, and par-three challenges will test mental stamina as much as physical execution. If DeChambeau's aggressive, driver-heavy strategy fails early, it will validate his critics and raise deeper questions about his competitive schedule; if it succeeds, it could revolutionize how modern professionals approach the oldest major in golf.

The Road Ahead

DeChambeau will begin his bid to silence the critics on Thursday, July 16, playing his opening two rounds in a high-profile marquee group alongside world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler and fellow LIV Golf competitor Tyrrell Hatton. All eyes will be on the first tee to see if the American adjusts his strategy, or attempts to overpower the elements at Royal Birkdale.

FAQ

Why is Nick Faldo criticizing Bryson DeChambeau?

Nick Faldo believes Bryson DeChambeau does not understand the unique strategy required for links golf, criticizing his desire to aggressively attack courses rather than carefully placing the ball down narrow fairways.

What happens if Bryson DeChambeau misses the cut at Royal Birkdale?

If DeChambeau misses the cut, he will become the first multiple major champion since 1998 to miss the cut at all four major tournaments in a single calendar year.

What did Brandel Chamblee say about DeChambeau?

Brandel Chamblee criticized DeChambeau for focusing too much on his YouTube channel, suggesting the golfer is more interested in competing with online creators like Grant Horvat than competing with top-ranked professionals.

Why are players avoiding using drivers at Royal Birkdale?

Due to warm, dry weather, the fairways are extremely firm and fast. Players are using irons off the tee to maintain control, as drivers risk sending the ball running into penal rough or bunkers.

Who is Bryson DeChambeau playing with in the first two rounds?

DeChambeau is grouped with world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler and Tyrrell Hatton for the opening two rounds of the tournament.