Bryson DeChambeau Struggles in Masters First Round

The LIV Golf star hit a patron with a tee shot and had trouble escaping a bunker, leading to a 4-over 76 on the day.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 9:35pm

A fragmented, geometric painting depicting Bryson DeChambeau's golf swing, bunker shots, and interaction with a patron, rendered in a cubist style with vibrant colors.A cubist interpretation of Bryson DeChambeau's tumultuous first round at the Masters, capturing the fractured moments of his struggles.Clovis Today

Bryson DeChambeau, the 32-year-old LIV Golf player, had a tumultuous first round at the Masters, shooting a 4-over 76. DeChambeau hit a patron with his tee shot on the sixth hole and later struggled to get out of a bunker on the 11th hole, hitting out of the sand three times before escaping the trap. His difficulties continued throughout the round, including a three-putt on the 16th hole, though he did manage a birdie on the 17th. DeChambeau's opening-round struggles mirror his performance last year, when he shot a 73 in the first round before rallying in the following rounds.

Why it matters

Bryson DeChambeau is a high-profile player in the world of golf, having won the 2020 U.S. Open and joining the LIV Golf tour in 2022. His struggles in the first round of the Masters, one of golf's major championships, are noteworthy and could impact his performance in the rest of the tournament.

The details

On the sixth hole, DeChambeau pulled his tee shot toward the left and hit a patron in the leg. He covered his mouth in reaction and later gave the patron a golf ball and shook his hand. On the 11th hole, DeChambeau had difficulty escaping a greenside bunker, hitting three shots before finally getting the ball out. He ended up with a triple bogey on the hole, bringing him to 3-over par for the day. DeChambeau's struggles continued throughout the round, including a three-putt on the 16th hole, though he did manage a birdie on the 17th.

  • DeChambeau hit the patron with his tee shot on the sixth hole.
  • DeChambeau had trouble escaping the bunker on the 11th hole, hitting three shots before getting out.

The players

Bryson DeChambeau

A 32-year-old professional golfer who plays on the LIV Golf tour. He won the 2020 U.S. Open and is known for his powerful driving and unorthodox approach to the game.

Patron

An unidentified spectator at the Masters tournament who was hit by DeChambeau's tee shot on the sixth hole.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

DeChambeau will look to turn things around in the second round of the Masters, teeing off at 1:20 p.m. ET on Friday.

The takeaway

Bryson DeChambeau's struggles in the first round of the Masters, including hitting a patron and difficulties escaping a bunker, highlight the challenges even top golfers can face in major championships. His performance will be closely watched as he looks to rebound in the coming rounds.