British Open 2026: Nick Faldo responds to Bryson DeChambeau's 'strategy' response . . . to Nick Faldo

We're having a good old-fashioned response-off between a pair of major champions at the British Open this week.

Nick Faldo began this curious back-and-forth with Bryson DeChambeau by making comments on the Sky Sports Golf Podcast ahead of the tournament. The six-time major champ didn't hold back regarding Bryson's links golf strategy—or lack thereof.

"He has—I'd say it to his face—he has zero clue of strategy," Faldo said.

Only it doesn't appear he has said it to DeChambeau's face. And after the two-time U.S. Open champ shot 67 on Thursday, he responded to Faldo's comments in a cheeky manner, using some form of the word "strategy" three times in one answer.

And on Friday, Faldo stoked the flames again by releasing a video message in which he stands by his original comments. However, he also noted that DeChambeau played smartly on Thursday, that he's a big fan of Bryson and that the two text throughout the season. Have a look and listen:

OK then.

It should also be noted that DeChambeau broke a record at last year's Open for a 54-hole span by shooting 65-68-64. And then added 67 on Thursday. So, whatever strategy he's using seems to be working.

• •

Is it the British Open or the Open Championship? The name of the final men’s major of the golf season is a subject of continued discussion. The event’s official name, as explained in this op-ed by former R&A chairman Ian Pattinson, is the Open Championship. But since many United States golf fans continue to refer to it as the British Open, and search news around the event accordingly, Golf Digest continues to utilize both names in its coverage.