Bryson DeChambeau exorcises Masters demons in opening round

Bryson DeChambeau. Rob Schumacher-USA TODAY Network

Bryson DeChambeau exorcises Masters demons with excellent opening round

By Eric Smithling | Last updated 4/11/24

What once was a house of horrors for Bryson DeChambeau turned into a funhouse during the opening round of the Masters.

The LIV golfer took the lead at Augusta National after an opening-round 65, a massive improvement from last year when he began the tournament with a 74 and missed the weekend cut.

Per ESPN's Michael Eaves, Thursday marked DeChambeau's lowest round ever at the Masters.

65 is Bryson DeChambeau's lowest round ever at Augusta.
— Michael Eaves (@michaeleaves) April 11, 2024

DeChambeau started hot with birdies on his first three holes and kept the momentum going through the round.

One of his best shots came off the tee at the par-three No. 16 as the ball landed on the green and slowly rolled toward the hole for an easy birdie.

After making birdie on No. 16, Bryson DeChambeau reaches six under par and extends his lead. #themasters pic.twitter.com/L7dWBp9YKz
— The Masters (@TheMasters) April 11, 2024

DeChambeau shot a five-under 31 on the back nine, which should give him a ton of confidence going into the Masters' second day.

His previous best finish at golf's most prestigious major was a tie for 21st in 2016, his first appearance at the event.

Since then, he's finished 38th (2018), 29th (2019), 34th (2020) and 46th (2021). Prior to missing the 2023 cut, he also missed the cut in 2022.

DeChambeau left the PGA Tour for LIV Golf in 2021. His most recent win on the circuit was at the LIV Golf Invitational Chicago from Sept. 22-24, 2023.

This year, DeChambeau has four top-10 finishes thus far.

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