Atlanta, GA …
Bryson DeChambeau is under threat in losing out on capturing the FedEx Cup title after a horror opening round on debut at the Tour Championship in Atlanta.
DeChambeau, 25 is predicted to now finish No. 3 on the standings after posting two double-bogeys in an eventual two-over par 72 in heatwave conditions on the East Lake course.
The Florida golfer heads into day two of the season-ending event trailing six shots adrift of the leading duo of Tiger Woods and Rickie Fowler.
Woods, who had commenced first Tour Championship in five years with a bogey saved the best for last in holing a near 30-foot eagle putt at the last and projected to jump 18 places to No. 2 on the FedEx Cup standings.
Horror East Lake front nine start for Bryson DeChambeau (Photo @tourmiss)
World No. 1 Justin Rose, who birdied his closing two holes in a score of 66 to be tied third, is projected to move-up a place and also No. 1 on the FedEx Cup.
DeChambeau pared his opening three holes but sent his drive at the fourth well right onto the adjoining fifth fairway but then taking four shots to get up-and-down from some 40-feet shy of the flag.
He managed the first of three birdies at the sixth hole but was again struggling in having to take a second stroke penalty drop from an unplayable lie and then with DeChambeau four-over for his outward half after three-putting the par-3 ninth hole.
To his credit, DeChambeau regrouped to play the inward nine in three-under par and end his round sharing 21st place with a one-over par 71.
“It was a round of two halves, for sure,” he said.
“First off, the rough is brutal out there. I’ve never encountered something that thick. It’s a zoysia and Bermuda blend, and new conditions for me again.
“It just seems like that’s been the story these past couple events I’ve played in, and it’s really just put me not in the greatest plays.
“But hopefully I’ll learn from it and not hit as many errant tee shots.
“In saying that, you’re never out of it. I’ve got 54 holes left. You know, a lot of golf to be played. And if I get my game going, if I get my driving in the right direction, watch out.”
