drawing huge laughter.
Many of those cheering were likely among the 2.8 million subscribers to DeChambeau's YouTube channel, where he goes against the grain.
While most golfers prepared for The Open by playing in Scotland or practising early at Birkdale, DeChambeau filmed himself playing the nine-hole Northwood golf club in the Redwoods, garnering over 2 million views.
His play this week, however, seemed unaffected—at least early in the final round.
His first drive was pulverised into light rough, prompting gasps and a shout of “absolute rocket that!” His approach landed 10 feet from the hole.
“Let’s go, Bryson!” his believers chanted.
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But the putt trickled wide.
To win, DeChambeau needed a fast start before 25mph gusts arrived, then hang on for dear life. Up ahead, Cameron Young and Scottie Scheffler were setting the blueprint.
Could he follow? Alas, no.
The 2nd hole mirrored the 1st: a huge drive, a decent approach, a missed putt.
The crowd remained overwhelmingly positive, with only one critical voice shouting, “Don’t stomp the grass down, Bryson,” on the 4th hole.
Imagine the reaction if McIlroy had received a two-shot penalty for stamping on the scrub behind his ball at Shinnecock Hills last month.
There would have been blue murder, not just sarcastic remarks. Yet the magic DeChambeau's followers expected never materialised.
Approaching the turn, his driver continued to be wayward.
Smart putts at the 6th and 7th saved par, but a bogey at the 8th saw him falling back.
