Tensions simmered beneath the surface as Bryson DeChambeau stormed onto the leaderboard with a blistering 67 at the 154th Open Championship. The American's impressive start was made all the more sweeter by a subtle, yet pointed, response to pre-tournament jibes from six-time major winner Nick Faldo.
It was clear that DeChambeau had taken note of Faldo's earlier remarks, labelling him "a zero clue for strategy", but instead of engaging with the criticism, he chose to keep his powder dry. A brief statement to tournament organisers acknowledged a "hard fought battle" in testing wind conditions, but it was his later comment that really landed the knockout blow: "I think you've got to be a lot more strategic out on the golf course… I did a really good job today of being incredibly strategic and focused super-hard on placing it in the right places."
Faldo, observing from a television booth, seemed to relish the exchange, claiming he had "rattled the cage" of the American. And what a start DeChambeau has made – despite a patchy Open record and three missed cuts this year, the 32-year-old is now just two shots off the lead.
But it's not all about DeChambeau – attention is also focused on an unexpected name at the top of the leaderboard: Jackson Suber. The American's European debut has been a triumph, producing a scintillating inward half of 31 to take sole command of proceedings. With a beaming smile and effusive praise for the "really cool" golf and UK train system, Suber is basking in the spotlight.
DeChambeau's round was far from flawless – a dropped shot on the 18th after an overhit approach leaves him with work to do tomorrow. But he's not alone in the hunt, sharing company at five under par with eight other players, including Scotsman Bob MacIntyre, Francesco Molinari, and Cameron Young.