Bryson DeChambeau’s 69 at Cedar Crest Golf Course: A Mixed Bag Before the PGA Championship
Bryson DeChambeau, the two-time U.S. Open champion and LIV Golf standout, shot a 69 at Cedar Crest Golf Course in Dallas, Texas, just days before the 2026 PGA Championship. The round—his third attempt to break public course records this year—revealed both strengths and vulnerabilities as he prepares for his most critical major of the season.
The Course-Record Campaign: A Pattern of Near-Misses
DeChambeau’s latest round at Cedar Crest follows a recent trend of high-profile practice rounds where he’s sought to shatter course records. In his first two attempts this year:
- Southern Oaks: Equaled the course record with a 63, securing three birdies and 14 pars.
- Texarkana: Posted a 69, falling short of the record.
At Cedar Crest, his 69—three under par—was solid but unremarkable. While he made three birdies and 15 pars, his struggles with the driver and putter mirrored challenges that have haunted him in recent majors, particularly at Augusta National during The Masters.
Why This Round Matters for the PGA Championship
DeChambeau’s performance at Cedar Crest offers a snapshot of his current form as he heads into the PGA Championship at Aronimink Golf Club. Here’s what stands out:
1. The Driver Dilemma
DeChambeau is renowned for his analytical approach to golf, famously customizing his equipment for maximum distance and control. However, his recent struggles with the driver—highlighted in the Cedar Crest round—suggest that his signature power play may not be translating as effectively in major conditions. At The Masters, his driving accuracy was a key factor in his missed cut.
2. Putting Under Pressure
While DeChambeau’s short game has been a hallmark of his success, the Cedar Crest round exposed inconsistencies. His putter, a critical tool in his major victories (notably his back-to-back U.S. Open wins in 2020 and 2024), failed to deliver under pressure. This is a red flag as the PGA Championship often demands precision on the greens.
3. The Mental Edge
DeChambeau’s nickname, “The Scientist,” reflects his methodical approach to the game. Yet, his recent rounds—including Cedar Crest—suggest that mental resilience may be wavering. The PGA Championship, with its unique layout and historical significance, will test not just his technical skills but his ability to stay composed under scrutiny.
DeChambeau’s Major Season: A Tale of Two Leagues
This year, DeChambeau’s schedule has been split between LIV Golf and the PGA Tour, creating a unique dynamic. While he has won twice on LIV Golf in 2026, his major season has been uneven:
- 2026 U.S. Open: Won his second U.S. Open title in 2024, but his 2026 campaign has yet to yield another major victory.
- 2025 Masters: Finished tied for 5th, a far cry from his 2024 PGA Championship runner-up finish.
- LIV Golf Dominance: His recent 58 at the LIV Golf Greenbrier (a course-record round) underscores his ability to dominate when conditions suit his game.
The PGA Championship at Aronimink will be his first major of 2026 where he can unify his focus solely on the PGA Tour’s flagship event. With the league’s future in flux following the Saudi-backed PIF’s withdrawal from funding, the stakes are higher than ever.
Looking Ahead: Can DeChambeau Turn It Around?
The PGA Championship is DeChambeau’s chance to silence critics and reassert his major championship credentials. His recent rounds—while not disastrous—highlight areas that need improvement:
- Driver Consistency: If he can refine his off-the-tee game, he’ll add crucial yardage and confidence.
- Putting Under Pressure: A sharper short game could be the difference-maker in tight major finishes.
- Mental Toughness: Augusta National was a wake-up call; Aronimink must be a statement.
One thing is certain: DeChambeau’s analytical mind will be dissecting every aspect of his game in the days leading up to the championship. Whether he uses this round as a learning experience or a wake-up call remains to be seen.
FAQ: Bryson DeChambeau’s PGA Championship Prep
Q: How does DeChambeau’s 69 at Cedar Crest compare to his other recent rounds?
A: While his 69 was solid, it was his worst of the three recent course-record attempts. His 63 at Southern Oaks and 69 at Texarkana suggest he’s capable of high-level play, but consistency remains an issue.
Q: What’s the significance of DeChambeau’s driver struggles?
A: DeChambeau’s driver is a cornerstone of his game, providing him with the distance to attack par-5s and tight fairways. Struggles here could limit his scoring potential, especially on courses like Aronimink with long par-4s.
Q: How does LIV Golf’s future impact DeChambeau’s major focus?
A: With PIF’s withdrawal from funding, LIV Golf’s stability is uncertain. This could push DeChambeau to prioritize PGA Tour events, including the PGA Championship, where his major credentials are on the line.
Key Takeaways
- DeChambeau’s 69 at Cedar Crest was a mixed bag, with strong scoring offset by driver and putting issues.
- His major season has been inconsistent, with LIV Golf wins contrasting his struggles in PGA Tour events.
- The PGA Championship at Aronimink will be his first true test of 2026, with his future in the sport potentially hanging in the balance.
- Improvements in driver accuracy and putting under pressure could be the keys to his success.