Regardless of predictions, on an unexpected day where a storm, causing less destruction than thought and only resulting in a moderate delay of two and a half hours instead of a longer duration, Bryson DeChambeau — a golfer who’d previously failed to live up to expectations — managed to end an astounding first round with a score of seven-under-par 65.
What happened? How did it occur? Truly, it’s anyone’s guess. DeChambeau’s past performances on the prestigious, undulating course never pointed to such a significant turnaround. His commencement with a score of 76 in 2021 led to a finishing position of tied-46th. The following year, he began with another 76 but did not even make the cut. Moreover, in 2023, he started with a 74, again missing the cut.
Nevertheless, there he stood, one of the select participants to embrace the LIV incentives, thoughtfully manoeuvring his way around the course veiled by colossal pine trees.
DeChambeau’s artfully executed round of eight birdies and a singular bogey on the ninth provided the 30-year-old American, the 2020 US Open champion, an opportunity to cunningly advance to the top rank of the clubhouse. This accomplishment began right from the onset, as following his five-wood initial tee shot, he managed to make a 145-yard approach within two feet to secure his pathway.
The astonishment wasn’t solely about DeChambeau. In the case of the beloved golfer Danny Willett, who won his sole Major championship with a green jacket in 2016, amazement arouse from his triumphant recovery from shoulder surgery six months prior. He played his first round since the BMW PGA at Wentworth in September of the previous year.
Willett, who was previously instructed that the recuperation period could potentially be between 12-18 months, marked his early comeback with a score of four-under-par 68, trailing DeChambeau by three. After spending six weeks in a 90-degree cast, only removed for showers, followed by four months of intensive daily rehabilitation that involved ice baths, saunas, and gym work, in addition to regular meetings with health professionals, his return to the sport was truly remarkable.
Willett voiced his surprise about managing a successful comeback following a recuperation period. He wasn’t worried about the strength of his shoulder but more concerned about hitting the shots he desired. He admitted having no expectations but was undoubtedly pleased with his performance, injecting a dose of confidence into his play and anticipating further good days ahead.
He explained how they undertook various preliminary measures before the surgery to ensure maximum strength after the procedure. This helped maintain his performance level and avoid a significant drop. He was grateful to have a skilled team around him that worked diligently and invested time in his improvement. Despite the possibility of scoring 80, he was thrilled to be able to take part without experiencing pain. Being pain-free as opposed to the discomfort he felt seven to nine months earlier was a significant achievement for him.
Both Willet and DeChambeau showed a commendable level of patience on a day when the wind was unruly making the conditions complicated. The day’s challenge had players and caddies reassessing their club selection continuously as they studied the moving pines and fluttering flags trying to decipher the wind’s inconsistencies.
The early starters, in particular, benefited from more forgiving greens, made supple by over one inch of overnight rainfall. Fortunately, the anticipated thunderstorms held off, with the main disruption to the opening round of the 88th Masters being a two-and-a-half-hour delay in tee-off times.
Gary Woodland, another player who has battled medical conditions, including needing brain lesion surgery, had a tough start with a double-bogey. Despite another double-bogey on the 11th, three late birdies provided some solace and he ended with a score of 76.
In the 2019 US Open, spectators saw firsthand the remarkable performance of DeChambeau. Noteworthy to point out about Bryson, a detail often overlooked by many, is his supreme putting skills that rank him among the world’s elite. Coupled with his driving abilities exhibited that day, he was positively excellent. It was a golfing masterclass. His accurate rolls and consistency in form were impressive. Woodland, observing his play, stated, “His driving technique transforms the course slightly.”
Woodland was not the only one who had a challenging time. Hideki Matsuyama, a champion in 2021, also had difficulties alongside Jordan Spieth, whose initial double-bogey placed him at a disadvantage.
Rory McIlroy, hunting for the last addition to complete his career Grand Slam, had a sluggish start—going one-over after his first two drives veered drastically right into the foliage. Nevertheless, perseverance followed this misstep as he clawed his way to a one-under after 13 holes. Meanwhile, Shane Lowry started strong with a single birdie, only to find himself one-over after seven holes.