Bryson DeChambeau’s stunning 54-hole finish leaves him with British Open regret

PORTRUSH, Northern Ireland — Bryson DeChambeau looked like he’d played his way out of the British Open on Thursday, when he posted an opening-round 7-over 78.

From there, though, he went on a tear, shooting 65 in the second round to make the cut on the number.

That was followed by a third-round 68 and a final-round 64 on Sunday.

It all added up to a stunning tie for 10th for DeChambeau.

His total of 197 over the final 54 holes was the second-lowest ever in an Open.

Only Henrik Stenson, en route to winning in 2016, bettered that with 196.

“It was a fun three days,” DeChambeau said. “I was really proud of the way I turned it around and gave myself actually some hope. It was a very emotional week. I came in feeling like my game was right there, and all of sudden it was not there.

“I was able to hold myself together under the pressure and fight for every shot. I’m super proud of the round I played today. Just wish I could have that 78 back.”

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Harris English finished runner-up to Scottie Scheffler at 13-under, which was four shots out of the lead.

It’s the second time he’s played bridesmaid to Scheffler in a major this year.

English was tied for second at the PGA Championship, which Scheffler won in May.

“Losing to Scottie twice in two majors, the only guy to beat me at the PGA and this week,’’ English said. “I’m playing some good golf. Just need to clean it up a little bit. One of my two goals this year were to make it to the Tour Championship and make that Ryder Cup team, and hopefully I’ve moved myself a little bit closer to that, and hopefully I can get in that top six to lock up a spot.’’

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Rory McIlroy, of course, is bullish on Portrush because he’s from Northern Ireland, but he raved about the venue.

“Honestly, I think Portrush has quickly turned into one of the best two or three venues that The Open goes to,” McIlroy said. “Talk to every player this week, and they won’t say one single bad thing about the golf course. Then I just think the way it sets up, from a logistical standpoint, I think the R&A have worked so well with the local government to make sure everything runs smoothly.

“It’s only been six years since 2019. I’m not sure Portrush is going to have The Open every six years — that would be nice — but I would obviously love it to keep coming back.”