In a remarkable turn of events at the storm-delayed first round of the 88th Masters Tournament, Bryson DeChambeau made headlines again, but this time for his stellar performance. Nearly three-and-a-half years after his controversial “par 67” remarks at Augusta National, DeChambeau shot an impressive seven-under 65, securing a one-shot lead early in the tournament. The American LIV Golf star, known for his powerful drives, seemed to have reconciled with the past as he excelled under challenging windy conditions, firing eight birdies throughout his round.
DeChambeau’s previous comments in November 2020 came shortly after his victory at the US Open, where he claimed to see Augusta as a “par 67” course, a statement that sparked widespread criticism and arguably affected his subsequent performances. However, reflecting on his past remarks, DeChambeau expressed a newfound respect for the course. “I have a level of respect for this golf course that’s a little bit different than a couple of years ago,” he told reporters. “Regarding the 67 comments, you mess up. I’m not a perfect person. Everybody messes up. You learn from your mistake, and that was one.”
The Masters this year also highlighted strong performances from other players. Scottie Scheffler, who has been in excellent form, finished just behind DeChambeau with a bogey-free 66. Meanwhile, Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy had promising starts, navigating through the tricky conditions that the weather brought. As players like Nicolai Højgaard aim to finish their rounds strongly, the tournament is poised for more exciting developments.
Bryson DeChambeau’s Augusta performance is a potent reminder of his capabilities and perhaps a redemption arc from his past “par 67” gaffe. As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on him to see if he can maintain his lead and capture his second major title. “There’s three more days to go, and I’m not losing sight of the fact that it’s right in front of me. Just got to go execute,” he concluded, setting the stage for what promises to be an enthralling Masters.
