Bryson DeChambeau figured that while he’s in Europe, it might be a nice idea to collect one of those hefty appearance fees that are common practice on the European Tour.
After a tie for 51st at Carnoustie, Bryson has ventured to the friendly confines of the Green Eagle Golf Courses outside Hamburg. It is fitting that DeChambeau is playing in the Porsche European Open because no one appreciates science and engineering more than the good folks to make those magnificent Porsche automobiles.
So there was our American golf scientist/physicist/engineer having himself a pretty good time Thursday in the first round. After struggling to find birdies last Sunday at Carnoustie, Bryson had himself a pretty good day with seven first round birdies that translated to an opening six-under par 66.
He drew a pretty good crowd on opening day and was appreciative. “I had a lot of support out there and I want to thank everyone,” DeChambeau said after his solid opening round.
His play was good enough to hold the first round lead.
Fellow American Patrick Reed shot 70 on a day that included a run-in/confrontation with a European Tour camera crew assigned to cover his group. Reed went ballistic on one of the members of the TV team for rattling pocket change and made the crew move to the other side of the hole.
Reed played early on Friday and came back with a six-under par effort that got him to eight-under par through 36 holes.
DeChambeau played in the afternoon wave.
