Bryson DeChambeau rams 'zero strategy' claim down Nick Faldo's throat with strong Open start

So much for Nick Faldo claiming that Bryson DeChambeau has “zero clue of strategy”. The three-time Open winner made the claim about the American on the eve of the 154th Open and duly had those words rammed down his throat.

DeChambeau, who had come into this event after missing the cut in all three of the previous majors this season, opened with a three-under-par 67 - his first sub-par score in a major this year - after getting it to four under at one point at bouncy Royal Birkdale.

Though the two-time US Open champion declined to chat with reporters afterwards, he spoke on his own YouTube channel a bit later and there was no denying that he was essentially sticking two fingers up at Faldo.

Bryson DeChambeau removes the flag on the fourth green on day one of the The 154th Open at Royal Birkdale | Andrew Redington/Getty Images

“It was a hard-fought battle out there,” he said. “I think you've got to be a lot more strategic out on the golf course. 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.

“Besides 18 (where he dropped a shot after birdieing both the 16th and 17th), I placed the ball in some good areas. I just need to hit more fairways. Other than that, I feel like my strategy was nice today.”

Jackson Suber, a 26-year-old Floridian, set the first-day pace with a five-under 65, becoming just the fourth player in Open history to shoot that score or better as a debutant in the Claret Jug event. “Monday was my first round of links golf, so I've played 27 holes before I played the first round today,” said Suber.

Englishman Dan Brown, who shared second spot heading into the final round at Royal Troon two years ago before, sits a shot behind along with Korean Sungjae Im, with a huge group on three under including DeChambeau, Bob MacIntyre and former champions Francesco Molinari and Collin Morikawa.

Defending champion Scottie Scheffler got off to a flyer, picking up four birdies in the first six holes, before having to settle for a 68. “I felt like I could have gotten a little bit more out of it, but, if I continue to do what I did today with the ball-striking I'll be in a good spot as the week goes on,” said the world No 1.

Hometown hero Tommy Fleetwood sits four shots off the lead. “It was a battle,” said the FedEx Cup champion. “I would have loved to have played better, but at the same time, I take the positives that I shot under par and scrambled really well and battled well.”

Out in the tougher afternoon conditions, Masters champion Rory McIlroy missed two putts around three feet and had a total of six bogeys as he signed for a 72. Playing alongside McIlroy, world No 3 Matthew Fitzpatrick carded the same score, three worse than younger brother Alex.

Jordan Spieth, the winner here in 2017, lacked the spark he had back then as he opened with a 73, matched later in the day by US Open champion Wyndham Clark. It was an even tougher day, meanwhile, for Justin Rose, who is facing a battle to make the cut following his 75. Padraig Harrington, the winner here in 2008, sits last out of the 156 players after an 80.