Bryson DeChambeau's 76 at PGA Championship Causes Rules Confusion

Bryson DeChambeau shot a 76, 6-over-par, at the PGA Championship. This is his worst opening round score in the event's history.
By Newsroom | Golf, Sports |

Bryson DeChambeau stumbled out of the gate at the PGA Championship on Thursday, carding a 6-over-par 76. This marks his worst opening score to par in the event's history and puts him in danger of missing the cut. His round was punctuated by six bogeys, including a double-bogey on the eighth hole, and a single birdie on his final hole, the par-5 ninth.

DeChambeau averaged nearly 336 yards off the tee, but his usually strong short game faltered, costing him strokes around the green and on the putting surface.

The golfer expressed confusion over a ruling regarding his ball placement on stairs, a moment that seemed to epitomize his challenging day. Despite his struggles on the course, DeChambeau's popularity with fans appears undiminished. He has not spoken to the media this week and declined to comment after his round.

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Bryson DeChambeau fails to stay in contention with 76 in long day at PGA Championship - 1

Opening Round Woes

DeChambeau's opening nine, which began on the back nine, saw him reach the turn in 39 strokes. The struggles continued throughout the day, with his short game contributing significantly to his score. Statistics indicate he lost 3.672 strokes around the green and 1.098 strokes with his putting.

One particular instance involved a wayward tee shot landing on a staircase, leading to a lengthy discussion with a PGA rules official. DeChambeau appeared stumped by the situation, which occurred despite his intention to "bomb his way" through the championship course.

Recent Major Performances

This disappointing start follows a pattern of mixed results in major championships. DeChambeau has achieved runner-up finishes in the last two PGA Championships, losing to Scottie Scheffler in 2025 after Scheffler's dramatic win at Quail Hollow. In that event, DeChambeau finished tied-second, five strokes behind Scheffler. His performance this week contrasts sharply with his recent success, as he also missed the cut at the Masters.

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DeChambeau's history in majors shows a tendency towards 'boom-or-bust' performances, with three top-10 finishes and three missed cuts. His efforts on Thursday at Aronimink have placed him in a precarious position as the championship continues.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did Bryson DeChambeau shoot a 76 in the PGA Championship opening round?
Bryson DeChambeau shot a 76, which is 6-over-par, because his short game faltered, costing him strokes around the green and on the putting surface. He also had six bogeys and a double-bogey.
Q: What rules confusion did Bryson DeChambeau face at the PGA Championship on Thursday?
DeChambeau faced confusion over a ruling about his ball placement on stairs after a wayward tee shot. He appeared unsure about the situation with a PGA rules official.
Q: How does Bryson DeChambeau's 76 opening round affect his PGA Championship chances?
His opening round score of 76 puts him in danger of missing the cut. This is his worst opening score in the event's history and a sharp contrast to his recent major performances.
Q: What are Bryson DeChambeau's recent major championship results before this PGA Championship round?
Before this round, DeChambeau had runner-up finishes in the last two PGA Championships and missed the cut at the Masters. He has a history of 'boom-or-bust' results in majors.