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Bryson DeChambeau will bring strong form and confidence into this week's Open Championship at Royal Troon as he looks to record his best finish in golf's oldest major. 

The reigning U.S. Open champion has had the most consistent performance across the previous three majors of 2024, recording a tie for sixth at Masters and a runner-up result at the PGA Championship. No other top player, not even world number one Scottie Scheffler, can match DeChambeau's top-10 finishes so far this season.

“Very confident, obviously, and it all depends if I’m striking it well,” DeChambeau commented. “If I can play the golf that I have been, I think I’ll give myself a great chance.”

Bryson DeChambeau, the 2024 U.S. Open winner, during a press conference at the Open Championship golf tournament at Royal Troon. Mandatory Credit: Jack Gruber-USA TODAY Sports

DeChambeau's lone top-30 result at The Open came two years ago at St. Andrews, however he says he's gained more experience playing links-style courses since then. He credited the 2015 Walker Cup at Royal Lytham for helping him learn how to navigate the penal rough and unpredictable bounces often encountered on UK coastal links.

“It’s always been a difficult test for me,” DeChambeau said.

Technical precision will be crucial this week as DeChambeau looks to avoid the many bunkers and waist-high grass that can plague errant shots. He may opt to dial back his aggressive driving at times in favor of greater control and accuracy.

DeChambeau acknowledged he may have to rein in his ferocious drives some this week. His lofty ball flight could land him in trouble if not kept low under the wind. But he believes his ability to strategically work the ball around the course still gives him a chance.

“It’s going to be about controlling that height through just the length of the backstroke for me this week,” DeChambeau  said. “It’s going to be tough. It’s always tough. It’s very diabolical, and just trying to keep it low underneath the wind is key for me this week.”

With his improved short game and putting, combined with strong recent showings in the game's biggest events, DeChambeau has never come to The Open Championship riding such a wave of momentum and confidence. If he can transfer his major championship form to the links, he has the game to challenge for one of the coveted Champion Golfer of the Year titles.

What are DeChambeau's thoughts on the importance of shot height and distance control at Royal Troon

Bryson DeChambeau understands controlling his shot trajectory and distance will be pivotal at Royal Troon for this year's Open Championship. He realizes his usual towering ball flight may not work well given the windy conditions, saying "For me, adjusting my backswing length to keep the ball lower and more under control of the wind will be crucial."

DeChambeau plans to shorten his swing to achieve a lower trajectory that is unlike his normal high-arching approach but will be "extremely important this week." Distance control will also be a key factor, especially on the downhill approach shots where elevated greens will require careful club selection and swing speed to prevent balls from running too far past pins.

While his immense driving distance is a weapon, DeChambeau acknowledges simply overpowering the Royal Troon is "not possible." He will need to focus on accuracy off the tee and strategic shot shaping more than outright yardage. If he can show control to adapt his game to the demanding links test in front of him, DeChambeau is assured his versatile ability can still shine through at this Open Championship.

References: https://www.nbcsports.com/golf/news/bryson-dechambeau-looking-to-cap-best-major-season-with-best-open-finish