Sir Nick Faldo has been one of LIV Golf’s biggest critics in recent years, but the six-time major champion was all smiles when being joined by Bryson DeChambeau at the U.S. Open
Sir Nick Faldo was seen embracing Bryson DeChambeau with a hug and a smile at this week’s U.S. Open, despite previously being a staunch critic of LIV Golf.
Faldo has not been afraid to share his disgruntlement with the LIV setup ever since the Saudi-backed circuit burst onto the scene in the summer of 2022. One of the breakaway league’s biggest names is DeChambeau, who left the PGA Tour to join LIV league just under two years ago.
Despite finding themselves on opposite side’s of professional golf’s fallout, Faldo appeared over the moon to be joined by DeChambeau following his impressive second round showing at Pinehurst No. 2 on Friday.
Three-time Masters champion, Faldo is onsite working for Sky Sports this week, and warmly greeted the LIV star ahead of his post-tournament interview, as the pair joked about DeChambeau’s scientific approach to the game. Faldo was seen wrapping his arm around the American before they both shared a laugh.
DeChambeau has put himself in a strong position to win a second U.S. Open heading into this weekend, with the American four-under-par for the week, which following the end of his second round, left him just one shot behind the leaders. He kicked off his week strongly on Thursday, carding a three-under 67 in testing conditions.
And whilst the brutal Pinehurst No. 2 course appeared to become even more difficult for the world’s best players a day later, DeChambeau continued to keep his name in the mix with a hard-fought one-under 69. Things could have been even better for the 2020 champion, who made five birdies on Friday.
Four bogeys however dragged the American star back ever so slightly, but it proved to be a solid first 36 holes for the Crushers captain. DeChambeau has often been golf’s pantomime villain during his career, but has become somewhat of a fan favourite in recent months following the success of his YouTube channel and impressive showing at last month’s PGA Championship.
Haling the support he has received in North Carolina this week, he commented in his Sky Sports interview: “They’re awesome [the fans]. They’ve been super nice to me and it’s fun feeding off that energy. I love it. I’ve learned a lot about myself in general and what makes me not just a better golfer, but person – how can I be more entertaining and give the fans what they deserve?
“It’s going to be an interesting test of golf over the weekend. I’m not necessarily going to attack it. I’m looking to play some solid, boring golf. If I can do that, I’ll give myself a great shot. Sometimes when I get a little tight out there I don’t do my best, so, for me, freeing up is key.”
