Bryson DeChambeau started the 2026 PGA Championship with a 6-over 76 in the first round at Aronimink Golf Club, placing him near the bottom of the leaderboard [1, 2]. He completed the second round with a total score of 7-over, missing the cut by three shots and ending his tournament early [3].
DeChambeau recorded three consecutive birdies to finish his second round, but it was not enough to extend his play into the weekend [3]. Several other notable players also missed the cut, including Michael Block, Sungjae Im, Tommy Fleetwood, Viktor Hovland, and Adam Scott [3].
The 2026 Masters, held just last month, saw DeChambeau miss the cut as well, surprising many who expected him to contend [2]. Since winning his second U.S. Open title in 2024, DeChambeau has played six major championships, with three missed cuts and three top-10 finishes in that span [1].
His recent struggles have been linked to poor distance control with irons and wedges, weak short game including bunker and chipping errors, and inconsistent putting [1, 3]. Windy conditions during practice rounds—sometimes gusting over 20 mph—have contributed to his distance control issues, making it difficult to factor variable winds into his shots [1].
CBS Sports analysis noted, "For as great as DeChambeau can play when everything is going right, his game can be equally disastrous when it gets off track" [1]. They added that DeChambeau is headed home early for the second straight major, further raising questions about his career amid uncertainty about LIV Golf’s future [3].
Fox News highlighted fan reactions, stating, "Fans wonder what has happened to Bryson DeChambeau after disastrous PGA Championship round" [2]. Despite his decline from a recent major winner and favorite to miss cuts, DeChambeau remains a two-time U.S. Open champion [1, 2].
DeChambeau hopes to rebound at upcoming majors, with his next opportunities to prove his form set for later this season [1, 3, 2].
